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Loratadine treatment of rhinitis due to pollen allergy reduces epithelial ICAM-1 expression
G Ciprandi1, C Pronzato, V Ricca
1Department of Internal Medicine, Genoa University, Italy.
Background:
Loratadine and cetirizine are new generation antihistamines, which are clinically effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.
Objective:
The aim of the study was to evaluate antiallergic activity of loratadine compared with cetirizine, over a 2 week period under natural allergen exposure, in a double-blind parallel groups, randomized, controlled trial.
Methods:
Twenty patients, sensitized to grass and/or Parietaria pollen, were subdivided into two groups, one receiving loratadine the other cetirizine respectively. Both were dosed at 10 mg/day. Evaluated parameters were: clinical symptoms, nasal inflammatory cell (such as neutrophil, eosinophil and metachromatic cells) counts, ICAM-1 expression on nasal epithelial cells, and nasal mediators (e.g. histamine, ECP, EPO and MPO).
Results:
Loratadine and cetirizine significantly improved symptoms (P < 0.002), significantly reduced eosinophil (P < 0.016) and metachromatic cell (P < 0.01) infiltration, levels of ECP (P < 0.002), EPO (P < 0.006) and histamine (P < 0.01) and ICAM-1 expression on nasal epithelial cells (P < 0.02). No difference was demonstrated between the two drugs.
Conclusion:
The antiallergic activity of loratadine and cetirizine is documented by their actions on the inflammatory and clinical parameters, especially ICAM-1 modulation.