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Cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonists: present situation and future opportunities
V Capra1, M Ambrosio, G Riccioni
1Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Section of Eicosanoid Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan, Italy. Valerie.Capra@unimi.it
Current Medicinal Chemistry
|December 16, 2006
Summary
Cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) are effective asthma and allergic rhinitis treatments. Further research may reveal LTRAs
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
- Allergy and Asthma Research
Background:
- Cysteinyl-leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) emerged as oral anti-asthma medications in the late 1990s.
- Montelukast is now also approved for allergic rhinitis symptom relief.
- The precise role of LTRAs in asthma therapy remains under-appreciated despite demonstrated efficacy across disease severities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and integrate current data on LTRA efficacy, effectiveness, and safety in asthma and allergic rhinitis.
- To explore potential new therapeutic applications for LTRAs beyond respiratory diseases.
- To highlight the need for understanding patient response variability to LTRAs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical trials and practice data on LTRAs.
- Analysis of molecular data on cysteinyl-leukotriene receptors (CysLTRs) and their distribution.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding LTRAs in various inflammatory conditions.
Main Results:
- LTRAs show effectiveness in asthma and allergic rhinitis, but patient responses vary.
- CysLT receptors are found in tissues beyond the lungs, suggesting broader roles.
- Emerging evidence implicates cysteinyl-LTs in conditions like cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusions:
- LTRAs are valuable in managing asthma and allergic rhinitis.
- Understanding factors influencing LTRA response variability is crucial for optimizing treatment.
- LTRAs warrant investigation for therapeutic potential in non-respiratory inflammatory diseases.
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