[Leukotriene modifiers in the treatment of asthma]

So far, the inhaled steroids are the most potent topical anti-inflammatories; however, they have disadvantages on their correct administration and possible side effects. The leukotrienes: LTC4, LTD4 and LTE4 are agents that are related with the asthma, because they promote the eosinophils proliferation, the destruction of the bronchial epithelium, bronchial constriction, sanguineous vasodilatation, stimulation of the mucous-producing glands with hypersecretion and decrease of the ciliary motility. The leukotrienes modifiers possess an effect antiinflammatory in the bronchial asthma, demonstrated in diverse clinical studies and they have a beneficial effect in the remodelling of the airways. They can also have clinical applications in the COPD, allergic rhinitis and in the chronic urticaria; however to make wider recommendations of their therapeutic indications more studies they will be made.