Research Progress on the Pharmacological Mechanism and Clinical Application of Theophylline

Theophylline, a well-established therapeutic agent, has a long history of clinical application and is primarily used for the treatment of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In recent years, the potential mechanisms of action have been increasingly reported, including phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibition, adenosine receptor antagonism, up-regulation of Interleukin-10 (IL-10) secretion, down-regulation of Interleukin-8 (IL-8) secretion, and enhancement of cellular processes such as surviva and, transcription, as well as histone deacetylase activation, and enhancement of protein phosphatase 2A activity. Moreover theophylline has potential therapeutic value in the nervous system, urinary system, cardiovascular system, and anti-tumor. Therefore, this paper systematically reviews the mechanisms of action and pharmacological applications of theophylline, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the in-depth development and clinical utilization.