[Therapy of asthma: anti-inflammatory effects of antileukotrienes]

The antileukotrienes (anti-LT), consisting of synthesis inhibitors and leukotriene receptor antagonists, represent a new direction in targeted drug therapy for asthma. In the present article, the anti-inflammatory properties of anti-LT are briefly summarized. Orally administered anti-LT inhibit the allergen-induced early and late asthmatic reactions and may attenuate the allergen-associated hyperresponsiveness. They also have a remarkable inhaled steroid-sparing effect. In chronic asthma, anti-LT may exert significant therapeutic benefit. In addition to their properties as relievers, anti-LT may have properties as controllers of asthma.