Leukotriene modifiers in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases

J Leukoc Biol. 2008 Dec;84(6):1374-8. doi: 10.1189/jlb.0808476. Epub 2008 Sep 15.

Abstract

Cysteinyl-leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) and LTB4 are potent proinflammatory mediators derived from arachidonic acid through the 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) pathway, which exerts important pharmacological effects through their interaction with specific receptors: Cys-LT receptors (CysLT1 and CysLT2) and LTB4 receptors (BLT1 and BLT2). Published evidence justifies a broader role for LT receptor antagonists (LTRAs), in particular, montelukast, in the treatment of bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis, and recently, in cardiocerebrovascular disease. The actions of Cys-LTs on the cardiovascular (CV) system are well-documented and include a broad array of activities with promising therapeutic targets in animal models exploring the use of selective 5-LO (or 5-LO-activating protein) inhibitors or dual LO-cycloxygenase-blocking agents in experimentally induced acute myocardial infarction. The picture that emerges from studies with LTRAs is more controversial at the moment, and some findings suggest a role for Cys-LTs in the extension of ischemic damage and in cardiac dysfunction during reperfusion; others do not. The aim of this short review is to summarize the state of present research about LT modifier treatment in CV disease.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / drug therapy*
  • Cysteine / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / therapeutic use*
  • Inflammation Mediators / therapeutic use*
  • Leukotriene Antagonists / therapeutic use*
  • Leukotrienes / therapeutic use*
  • Receptors, Leukotriene / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Asthmatic Agents
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Inflammation Mediators
  • Leukotriene Antagonists
  • Leukotrienes
  • Receptors, Leukotriene
  • cysteinyl-leukotriene
  • Cysteine