Authors: G. Riccioni,; T. Bucciarelli,; B. Mancini,; C. Di Ilio,; N. D'Orazio,

Source: Current Medicinal Chemistry, Volume 14, Number 18, August 2007 , pp. 1966-1977(12)

Publisher: Bentham Science Publishers

Abstract:

Cysteinyl leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) are potent proinflammatory mediators derived from arachidonic acid through the 5- lypoxigenase (5-LO) pathway. They exert important pharmacological effects by interaction with at least two different receptors: Cys-LT1 and Cys-LT2. By competitive binding to the Cys-LT1 receptor, leukotriene receptor antagonist drugs such as montelukast, zafirlukast, and pranlukast, block the effects of Cys-LTs and alleviate the symptoms of many chronic diseases, especially bronchial asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Evidence obtained by randomized clinical trials as also by direct experience derived from patients suffering from asthma and allergic rhinitis justifies a broader role for leukotrienes receptor antagonists (LTRAs). Recently published studies and case reports have demonstrated beneficial effects of LTRAs on other diseases commonly associated with asthma (exercise induced asthma, rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interstitial lung disease, chronic urticaria, atopic dermatitis, allergic fungal disease, nasal polyposis, and paranasal sinus disease) as well as other diseases not connected to asthma (migraine, respiratory syncytial virus postbronchiolitis, systemic mastocytosis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatitis, vulvovaginal candidiasis, cancer, atherosclerosis, eosinophils cystitis, otitis media, capsular contracture, and eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders). The aim of this review is to show the most recent applications and effectiveness in clinical practice of the LTRAs.

Keywords: Antileukotrienes drugs; leukotriene; leukotriene receptor antagonists; montelukast; zafirlukast; pranlukast; lipoxygenase; arachidonic acid

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/092986707781368522

Affiliations: 1: Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University “G. D'Annunzio”, Chieti,Via G. De Rogatis, 12 - CP 188, 71016 San Severo (FG), Italia.

Publication date: 2007-08-01

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• Current Medicinal Chemistry covers all the latest and outstanding developments in medicinal chemistry and rational drug design. Each issue contains a series of timely in-depth reviews written by leaders in the field covering a range of the current topics in medicinal chemistry. Current Medicinal Chemistry is an essential journal for every medicinal chemist who wishes to be kept informed and up-to-date with the latest and most important developments.

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