An update on the role of leukotrienes in asthma.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Leukotrienes are lipid mediators involved in the pathogenesis of asthma. There is significant new information about the actions of leukotrienes in asthma and the evolving role of antileukotriene therapies. We review recent findings on regulation of leukotriene synthesis, biological function of leukotrienes in disease models, and use of leukotriene modifiers in clinical practice.

Recent findings

Our understanding of the regulation of leukotriene synthesis at a molecular level has greatly advanced. Recent evidence indicates that genetic variation in the leukotriene synthetic pathway affects the clinical response to leukotriene modifiers. The participation of leukotriene B4 in the allergic sensitization process in animal models suggests a larger role for leuko

SUBMITTER: Hallstrand TS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2838730 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature