Leukotriene receptor antagonists as add-on therapy to antihistamines for urticaria: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

BACKGROUND: The benefits and harms of adding antileukotrienes to H1 antihistamines (AHs) for the management of urticaria (hives, itch, and/or angioedema) remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to systematically synthesize the treatment outcomes of antileukotrienes in combination with AHs versus AHs alone for acute and chronic urticaria. METHODS: As part of updating American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Joint Task Force on Practice Parameters urticaria guidelines, we searched Medline, Embase, Central, LILACS, WPRIM, IBECS, ICTRP, CBM, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, US Food and Drug Administration, and European Medicines Agency databases from inception to December 18, 2023, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating antileukotrienes and AHs versus AHs alone in patients with urticaria. Paired reviewers independently screened citations, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Random effects models pooled effect estimates for urticaria activity, itch, wheal, sleep, quality of life, and harms. The GRADE approach informed certainty of evidence ratings. The study was registered at the Open Science Framework (osf.io/h2bfx/). RESULTS: Thirty-four RCTs enrolled 3324 children and adults. Compared to AHs alone, the combination of a leukotriene receptor antagonist with AHs probably modestly reduces urticaria activity (mean difference, -5.04; 95% confidence interval, -6.36 to -3.71; 7-day urticaria activity score) with moderate certainty. We made similar findings for itch and wheal severity as well as quality of life. Adverse events were probably not different between groups (moderate certainty); however, no RCT reported on neuropsychiatric adverse events. CONCLUSION: Among patients with urticaria, adding leukotriene receptor antagonists to AHs probably modestly improves urticaria activity with little to no increase in overall adverse events. The added risk of neuropsychiatric adverse events in this population with leukotriene receptor antagonists is small and uncertain.

Targeting thiol isomerase activity with zafirlukast to treat ovarian cancer from the bench to clinic.

Thiol isomerases, including PDI, ERp57, ERp5, and ERp72, play important and distinct roles in cancer progression, cancer cell signaling, and metastasis. We recently discovered that zafirlukast, an FDA-approved medication for asthma, is a pan-thiol isomerase inhibitor. Zafirlukast inhibited the growth of multiple cancer cell lines with an IC50 in the low micromolar range, while also inhibiting cellular thiol isomerase activity, EGFR activation, and downstream phosphorylation of Gab1. Zafirlukast also blocked the procoagulant activity of OVCAR8 cells by inhibiting tissue factor-dependent Factor Xa generation. In an ovarian cancer xenograft model, statistically significant differences in tumor size between control vs treated groups were observed by Day 18. Zafirlukast also significantly reduced the number and size of metastatic tumors found within the lungs of the mock-treated controls. When added to a chemotherapeutic regimen, zafirlukast significantly reduced growth, by 38% compared with the mice receiving only the chemotherapeutic treatment, and by 83% over untreated controls. Finally, we conducted a pilot clinical trial in women with tumor marker-only (CA-125) relapsed ovarian cancer, where the rate of rise of CA-125 was significantly reduced following treatment with zafirlukast, while no severe adverse events were reported. Thiol isomerase inhibition with zafirlukast represents a novel, well-tolerated therapeutic in the treatment of ovarian cancer.

Montelukast as a repurposable additive drug for standard-efficacy multiple sclerosis treatment: Emulating clinical trials with retrospective administrative health claims data.

BACKGROUND: Effective and safe treatment options for multiple sclerosis (MS) are still needed. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) currently indicated for asthma or allergic rhinitis, may provide an additional therapeutic approach. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of montelukast on the relapses of people with MS (pwMS). METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study, two independent longitudinal claims datasets were used to emulate randomized clinical trials (RCTs). We identified pwMS aged 18-65 years, on MS disease-modifying therapies concomitantly, in de-identified claims from Optum's Clinformatics® Data Mart (CDM) and IQVIA PharMetrics® Plus for Academics. Cases included 483 pwMS on montelukast and with medication adherence in CDM and 208 in PharMetrics Plus for Academics. We randomly sampled controls from 35,330 pwMS without montelukast prescriptions in CDM and 10,128 in PharMetrics Plus for Academics. Relapses were measured over a 2-year period through inpatient hospitalization and corticosteroid claims. A doubly robust causal inference model estimated the effects of montelukast, adjusting for confounders and censored patients. RESULTS: pwMS treated with montelukast demonstrated a statistically significant 23.6% reduction in relapses compared to non-users in 67.3% of emulated RCTs. CONCLUSION: Real-world evidence suggested that montelukast reduces MS relapses, warranting future clinical trials and further research on LTRAs' potential mechanism in MS.

Montelukast and cefoperazone act as antiquorum sensing and antibiofilm agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

AIMS: Drug repurposing is an attractive strategy to control biofilm-related infectious diseases. In this study, two drugs (montelukast and cefoperazone) with well-established therapeutic applications were tested on Pseudomonas aeruginosa quorum sensing (QS) inhibition and biofilm control. METHODS AND RESULTS: The activity of montelukast and cefoperazone was evaluated for Pqs signal inhibition, pyocyanin synthesis, and prevention and eradication of Ps. aeruginosa biofilms. Cefoperazone inhibited the Pqs system by hindering the production of the autoinducer molecules 2-heptyl-4-hydroxyquinoline (HHQ) and 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4(1H)-quinolone (the Pseudomonas quinolone signal or PQS), corroborating in silico results. Pseudomonas aeruginosa pyocyanin production was reduced by 50%. The combination of the antibiotics cefoperazone and ciprofloxacin was synergistic for Ps. aeruginosa biofilm control. On the other hand, montelukast had no relevant effects on the inhibition of the Pqs system and against Ps. aeruginosa biofilm. CONCLUSION: This study provides for the first time strong evidence that cefoperazone interacts with the Pqs system, hindering the formation of the autoinducer molecules HHQ and PQS, reducing Ps. aeruginosa pathogenicity and virulence. Cefoperazone demonstrated a potential to be used in combination with less effective antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin) to potentiate the biofilm control action.

Efficacy and safety of Montelukast-Levocetirizine Combination Therapy in Combined Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of montelukast combined with levocetirizine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis with asthma, and to provide objective and effective evidence-based medical evidence for clinical use. DATA SOURCES: Pubmed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, WANFANG DATA, CNKI, and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database were retrieved to identify records related to Montelukast combined with levocetirizine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis with asthma. STUDY SELECTIONS: First, the eligibility criteria were employed to screen search results. Then, two investigators independently assessed titles, abstracts, and the full text of all retrieved references to identify potentially eligible studies. RESULTS: As of 2024-02-03, a total of 6 articles were included in this meta-analysis, covering 2950 patients with allergic rhinitis with asthma. The meta-analysis results exhibited a pooled NSS of -1.28 (95%CI: -1.64 to -0.92), suggesting that the combination of montelukast and levocetirizine was effective in the treatment of nasal symptoms of allergic rhinitis complicated with asthma. The meta-analysis of controlled trials showed that the SMD of NSS in the group of Montelukast combined with levocetirizine was -2.56 (95%CI: -2.77 to -2.35). The result indicated that compared with the control group, the combination of montelukast with levocetirizine significantly improved the symptoms of allergic rhinitis. CONCLUSION: In summary, this meta-analysis demonstrated the efficacy of montelukast combined with levocetirizine in the treatment of nasal symptoms in AR with asthma, indicating that the combination of montelukast with levocetirizine is more effective in improving symptoms of allergic rhinitis than monotherapy and has good safety.

The contribution of the WNT pathway to the therapeutic effects of montelukast in experimental murine airway inflammation induced by ovalbumin and lipopolysaccharide.

The wingless/integrase-1 (WNT) pathway involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory airway diseases has recently generated considerable research interest. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, provides therapeutic benefits in allergic asthma involving eosinophils. We aimed to investigate the role of the WNT pathway in the therapeutic actions of montelukast (MT) in a mixed type of allergic-acute airway inflammation model induced by ovalbumin (OVA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. Female mice were sensitized with intraperitoneal OVA-Al(OH)3 administration in the initiation phase and intranasal OVA followed by LPS administration in the challenge phase. The mice were divided into eight groups: control, asthmatic, and control/asthmatic treated with XAV939 (inhibitor of the canonical WNT pathway), LGK-974 (inhibitor of the secretion of WNT ligands), or MT at different doses. The inhibition of the WNT pathway prevented tracheal 5-HT and bradykinin hyperreactivity, while only the inhibition of the canonical WNT pathway partially reduced 5-HT and bradykinin contractions compared to the inflammation group. Therefore, MT treatment hindered 5-HT and bradykinin hyperreactivity associated with airway inflammation. Furthermore, MT prevented the increases in the phosphorylated GSK-3ß and WNT5A levels, which had been induced by airway inflammation, in a dose-dependent manner. Conversely, the MT application caused a further increase in the fibronectin levels, while there was no significant alteration in the phosphorylation of the Smad-2 levels in the isolated lungs of the mice. The MT treatment reversed the increase in the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-17A. An increase in eosinophil and neutrophil counts was observed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples obtained from the mice in the inflammation group, which was hampered by the MT treatment. The inhibition of the WNT pathway did not alter inflammatory cytokine expression or cell infiltration. The WNT pathway mediated the therapeutic effects of MT due to the inhibition of GSK-3ß phosphorylation as well as the reduction of WNT5A levels in a murine airway inflammation model.

Leukotriene Inhibitors in the Prevention of Recurring Capsular Contracture in Secondary Breast Augmentation.

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture (CC) remains a very common complication and the main cause of reoperation following a mammary implant surgery. Leukotrienes play an important role in the inflammatory cascade linked to the development of the periprosthetic capsule. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the incidence of recurrence of capsular contracture in female patients who underwent a secondary mammary augmentation due to this etiology, with and without treatment with leukotriene inhibitors during postoperative care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty-four women submitted to a secondary mammary augmentation due to CC were evaluated retrospectively. Out of these patients, 20 (31%) were treated with Montelukast for 3 months. The remaining 44 (69%) did not receive antileukotriene. The presence of capsular contracture was measured using the Baker classification and magnetic resonance imaging a year after postoperative care. The median follow-up period was 15 months. RESULTS: The patients receiving Montelukast (n = 20) presented a 15% CC rate (n = 1). The women that did not receive antileukotriene therapy (n = 44) presented a 16% CC rate (n = 7). CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that treatment with Montelukast for 3 months after the operation is associated with lower rates of capsular contracture when compared to patients that did not receive the treatment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE III: This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Ameliorative effect of montelukast against STZ induced diabetic nephropathy: targeting HMGB1, TLR4, NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, and autophagy pathways.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is reported as one of the most serious microvascular diabetic complications and the trigger of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), underscoring the concern of any therapeutic intervention directed at ameliorating the development and progression of DN. The current study explored the renoprotective impact of montelukast (Mon) against streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN in rats compared to a standard anti-hyperglycemic insulin (Ins) treatment. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of STZ (55 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were treated with Mon (10 and 20 mg/kg, oral gavage) for eight weeks. Mon administration for 8 weeks after induction of diabetes conferred significant dose-dependent renoprotection, independent of blood glucose levels (unlike Ins), as evidenced by the improvement in serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and ameliorated STZ-induced renal necrotic, inflammatory alterations, and renal fibrosis. Additionally, Mon treatment in diabetic rats significantly restored redox hemostasis as evidenced by malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels; significantly reduced the renal expression of high mobility group box (HMGB) 1, toll-like receptor (TLR) 4, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (in the nucleus), NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing (NLRP) 3, and interleukin (IL)-1ß. Moreover, Mon administration ameliorated the dysregulation in autophagy as evidenced by p62 and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3)-II levels. In conclusion, the renoprotective effect of Mon is potentially associated with its modulatory effect on inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant properties, and autophagy.

Potential of Anti-Leukotriene Drugs as New Therapeutic Agents for Inhibiting Cholangiocarcinoma Progression.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a cancer with a poor prognosis due to difficulties in diagnosis and limited treatment options, highlighting the urgent need for new targeted therapies. In a clinical setting, we found that leukotriene levels in bile were higher than in serum. Immunohistochemical analysis of surgically resected samples also revealed that CysLT receptor 1 (CysLTR1) was more highly expressed in CCA than in normal bile duct tissue, prompting us to investigate leukotriene as a potential therapeutic target in CCA. In vitro studies using CCA cell lines expressing CysLTR1 showed that leukotriene D4, a major ligand of CysLTR1, promoted cell proliferation, with increased phosphorylation of AKT and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Additionally, treatment with two clinically available anti-allergic drugs-zileuton, an inhibitor of CysLT formation, and montelukast, a CysLTR1 inhibitor-had inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and migratory capacity, accompanied by the reduced phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2. Furthermore, the simultaneous administration of both drugs synergistically enhanced the inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Our study suggests that use of these drugs may represent a novel approach to treat CCA through drug repositioning.

Efficacy of montelukast for adenoid hypertrophy in paediatrics: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Leukotrienes play a significant role in the pathogenesis of adenoid hypertrophy (A.H.). Therefore, we aimed to analyse the role of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, alone or in combination with mometasone, a potent local intranasal steroid, for the treatment of A.H. METHODS: Participants were children with A.H. were treated with montelukast alone or montelukast and mometasone furoate. The main outcome measures were effect of montelukast on clinical symptoms of A.H. A literature review was conducted using online search engines, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, for randomized clinical trials assessing children with A.H. treated with montelukast alone or montelukast and mometasone furoate. Seven randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included with 742 children. RESULTS: Our study reveals that montelukast alone or in combination with intranasal mometasone furoate significantly improves clinical symptoms of adenoid hypertrophy such as snoring, sleeping disturbance, mouth breathing and A/N ratio. Montelukast was superior to placebo in decreasing snoring (SMD = -1.00, 95% CI [-1.52, -0.49]), sleep discomfort (SMD = -1.26, 95% CI [-1.60, -0.93]), A/N ratio (MD = -0.11, 95% CI [-0.14, -0.09]) and mouth breathing (SMD = -1.36, 95% CI [-1.70, -1.02]). No difference was detected between montelukast and mometasone versus mometasone alone in snoring (SMD = -0.21, 95%CI [-0.69, 0.27]); however, the combination group was superior to the mometasone alone in mouth breathing (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI [-0.73, -0.19]). CONCLUSIONS: The limitation of studies included a small sample size, with an overall low to medium quality. Thus, further larger, higher-quality RCTs are recommended to provide more substantial evidence.

Preparation and In Vitro Evaluation of Montelukast Sodium-Loaded 3D Printed Orodispersible Films for the Treatment of Asthma.

This research aims to produce orodispersible films (ODFs) and determine their potential use in the oral delivery of montelukast sodium for asthma treatment and allergic rhinitis. ODFs were successfully developed by Three-dimensional (3D) printing using propylene glycol (PG), and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG). Finally, the amount of montelukast sodium in the ODFs was 5% (w/w). Drug-excipients compatibility with Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, mass uniformity, thickness, disintegration time, folding endurance, moisture absorption, pH, in vitro drug release (dissolution), drug content, moisture loss, moisture content, mechanical properties, and cytotoxicity studies were performed on the prepared films. All formulations disintegrated in approximately 40 s. Over 98% of drug release from all films within 2 min was confirmed. It was reported that Fm1-4 (8% HPMC and 1% PEG) and Fm2-4 (10% HPMC and 3% PEG) are more suitable for drug content, but Fm2-4 may be the ideal formulation considering its durability and transportability properties. Based on the characterization results and in vitro release values, the montelukast sodium ODF can be an option for other dosage forms. It was concluded that the formulations did not show toxic potential by in vitro cytotoxicity study with 3T3 cells. This new formulation can efficiently treat allergic rhinitis and asthma diseases.

Montelukast Influence on Lung in Experimental Diabetes.

Background and Objectives: The influence of montelukast (MK), an antagonist of cysLT1 leukotriene receptors, on lung lesions caused by experimental diabetes was studied. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on four groups of six adult male Wistar rats. Diabetes was produced by administration of streptozotocin 65 mg/kg ip. in a single dose. Before the administration of streptozotocin, after 72 h, and after 8 weeks, the serum values of glucose, SOD, MDA, and total antioxidant capacity (TAS) were determined. After 8 weeks, the animals were anesthetized and sacrificed, and the lungs were harvested and examined by optical microscopy. Pulmonary fibrosis, the extent of lung lesions, and the lung wet-weight/dry-weight ratio were evaluated. Results: The obtained results showed that MK significantly reduced pulmonary fibrosis (3.34 ± 0.41 in the STZ group vs. 1.73 ± 0.24 in the STZ+MK group p < 0.01) and lung lesion scores and also decreased the lung wet-weight/dry-weight (W/D) ratio. SOD and TAS values increased significantly when MK was administered to animals with diabetes (77.2 ± 11 U/mL in the STZ group vs. 95.7 ± 13.3 U/mL in the STZ+MK group, p < 0.05, and 25.52 ± 2.09 Trolox units in the STZ group vs. 33.29 ± 1.64 Trolox units in the STZ+MK group, respectively, p < 0.01), and MDA values decreased. MK administered alone did not significantly alter any of these parameters in normal animals. Conclusions: The obtained data showed that by blocking the action of peptide leukotrienes on cysLT1 receptors, montelukast significantly reduced the lung lesions caused by diabetes. The involvement of these leukotrienes in the pathogenesis of fibrosis and other lung diabetic lesions was also demonstrated.

Comparative efficacy of combined antihistamine and montelukast therapy in adult patients with atopic dermatitis.

Introduction: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is one of the most common chronic skin conditions affecting about 20% of children and 5% of adults. However, the studies assessing novel therapies for AD have been focused mainly on paediatric patients and only few studies have involved adult participants. Aim: To compare the treatment outcomes between the antihistamine monotherapy and combined intervention with an antihistamine agent and a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist in adult patients with atopic dermatitis. Material and methods: Patients were randomized into two groups to receive 5 mg oral desloratadine or the combined therapy with 5 mg oral desloratadine and 10 mg montelukast. Both groups were also administered topical treatment using the same protocol (topical Elocon and moisturizer). To estimate the efficacy of the implemented therapy methods, different skin health scores (SCORAD, GISS, EASI, PPNRS and DLQI) and skin functional assessment outcomes (corneometry, pH and transepidermal water loss) were evaluated before and after the treatment. Results: Significant differences were revealed in compared measurement results for scales of the Extent and Severity of Eczema assessment, Global Individual Signs Score, Eczema Area and Severity Index, Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index and Skin Functional Properties (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Comparison of data presenting the therapy outcomes in two groups showed that administration of the combined therapy was significantly more effective compared to the antihistamine monotherapy. The results revealed considerable efficacy of the combined therapy reinforced by the use of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, montelukast.

Exploring the neuroprotective effects of montelukast on brain inflammation and metabolism in a rat model of quinolinic acid-induced striatal neurotoxicity.

BACKGROUND: One intrastriatal administration of quinolinic acid (QA) in rats induces a lesion with features resembling those observed in Huntington's disease. Our aim is to evaluate the effects of the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast (MLK), which exhibited neuroprotection in different preclinical models of neurodegeneration, on QA-induced neuroinflammation and regional metabolic functions. METHODS: The right and left striatum of Sprague Dawley and athymic nude rats were injected with QA and vehicle (VEH), respectively. Starting from the day before QA injection, animals were treated with 1 or 10 mg/kg of MLK or VEH for 14 days. At 14 and 30 days post-lesion, animals were monitored with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F]-VC701, a translocator protein (TSPO)-specific radiotracer. Striatal neuroinflammatory response was measured post-mortem in rats treated with 1 mg/kg of MLK by immunofluorescence. Rats treated with 10 mg/kg of MLK also underwent a [18F]-FDG PET study at baseline and 4 months after lesion. [18F]-FDG PET data were then used to assess metabolic connectivity between brain regions by applying a covariance analysis method. RESULTS: MLK treatment was not able to reduce the QA-induced increase in striatal TSPO PET signal and MRI lesion volume, where we only detected a trend towards reduction in animals treated with 10 mg/kg of MLK. Post-mortem immunofluorescence analysis revealed that MLK attenuated the increase in striatal markers of astrogliosis and activated microglia in the lesioned hemisphere. We also found a significant increase in a marker of anti-inflammatory activity (MannR) and a trend towards reduction in a marker of pro-inflammatory activity (iNOS) in the lesioned striatum of MLK-compared to VEH-treated rats. [18F]-FDG uptake was significantly reduced in the striatum and ipsilesional cortical regions of VEH-treated rats at 4 months after lesion. MLK administration preserved glucose metabolism in these cortical regions, but not in the striatum. Finally, MLK was able to counteract changes in metabolic connectivity and measures of network topology induced by QA, in both lesioned and non-lesioned hemispheres. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, MLK treatment produced a significant neuroprotective effect by reducing neuroinflammation assessed by immunofluorescence and preserving regional brain metabolism and metabolic connectivity from QA-induced neurotoxicity in cortical and subcortical regions.

The neutralization effect of montelukast on SARS-CoV-2 is shown by multiscale in silico simulations and combined in vitro studies.

Small molecule inhibitors have previously been investigated in different studies as possible therapeutics in the treatment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the current drug repurposing study, we identified the leukotriene (D4) receptor antagonist montelukast as a novel agent that simultaneously targets two important drug targets of SARS-CoV-2. We initially demonstrated the dual inhibition profile of montelukast through multiscale molecular modeling studies. Next, we characterized its effect on both targets by different in vitro experiments including the enzyme (main protease) inhibition-based assay, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, pseudovirus neutralization on HEK293T/hACE2+TMPRSS2, and virus neutralization assay using xCELLigence MP real-time cell analyzer. Our integrated in silico and in vitro results confirmed the dual potential effect of montelukast both on the main protease enzyme inhibition and virus entry into the host cell (spike/ACE2). The virus neutralization assay results showed that SARS-CoV-2 virus activity was delayed with montelukast for 20 h on the infected cells. The rapid use of new small molecules in the pandemic is very important today. Montelukast, whose pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties are very well characterized and has been widely used in the treatment of asthma since 1998, should urgently be completed in clinical phase studies and, if its effect is proved in clinical phase studies, it should be used against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Xiebai Zengye decoction improves respiratory function and attenuates inflammation in juvenile rats with postinfection cough via regulating ERK signaling pathway.

This study aimed to determine the effects of Xiebai Zengye decoction (XBZY) on airway inflammation and respiratory function in rats with postinfectious cough (PIC), and its regulatory effects on the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. Compared with the normal group, the rats from the PIC group had significantly shortened expiratory time (TE) and enhanced pause (EEP), increased resistance (RT), and enhanced pause (Penh), along with increased levels of serum interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-6, and decreased levels of IL-10. The lung and colon tissues of rats from the PIC group showed histopathological changes, including inflammatory cell infiltration, damaged mucosal epithelium, and crypt structure, with significantly increased ERK mRNA and protein expression levels. Treatment with XBZY and montelukast sodium (MAS) improved the respiratory function and serum cytokine levels, reduced tissue inflammation, and decreased ERK mRNA and protein expression levels in the lung and colon tissues. In the lung tissues, XBZY treatment significantly decreased the expression of phosphorylated-ERK (p-ERK) protein, as well as p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, and p-c-Fos proteins, while in the colon tissues, XBZY significantly decreased the expression of p-ERK1/2 and p-c-Fos proteins. However, MAS treatment only showed significant improvement in the lung tissue inflammation score, and the expression level of p-ERK protein in the lung tissue was decreased. In conclusion, the present study suggests that XBZY has a potential therapeutic effect on PIC by improving respiratory function and attenuating inflammation, and this effect may be associated with the inhibition of the ERK signaling pathway. These findings could provide a new direction for the development of treatments for PIC. However, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of XBZY and to confirm its safety and efficacy in clinical trials.

Separation and quantitative estimation of stereo-selective enantiomers of montelukast in pharmaceutical drug substance and tablets dosage forms by using stability-indicating normal phase-HPLC method.

Montelukast sodium (MLS) is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that relieves asthma, bronchospasm, allergic rhinitis, and urticaria. A simple, robust, and stability-indicating normal phase high-performance liquid chromatography method was developed to separate and quantitatively estimate the S-enantiomer of MLS. The chiral separation was achieved using USP L51 packing material along with a mobile phase consisting of a solvent mixture (n-hexane, ethanol, and propionic acid), a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, a detection wavelength of 284 nm, a column temperature of 30°C and an injection volume of 20 µL. The enantiomers peaks were well separated from the peaks of the placebo, diluting solvent, MLS, and its known impurities with a resolution of more than 2.2 and with no interference. Accuracy and linearity were studied in a range of 0.36-3.597 µg/mL (0.03%-0.30%), with good recoveries between 92.5% and 96.8% and a linear regression coefficient above 0.996. The suggested chiral chromatography method is being considered as an alternative and equivalent method to the United States Pharmacopeia and European Pharmacopeia monographs. The developed method was effectively employed for the study of release and stability samples of MLS. This HPLC method is also capable of separating and estimating the stereo-selective isomers (R- and S-enantiomers) of sulfoxide impurity of MLS in pharmaceutical medicine.

An efficacy and safety evaluation of montelukast + fluticasone propionate vs. fluticasone propionate in the treatment of cough variant asthma in children: a meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of montelukast (Mon) + fluticasone propionate (Flu) versus Flu in the treatment of cough variant asthma (CVA) in children. METHODS: Eligible documents were selected from various databases. Weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate continuous variables, and categorical variables were evaluated using risk ratio (RR) and 95% CI. Heterogeneity analysis was performed using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics, followed by sensitivity analysis and publication bias evaluation. RESULTS: Nine studies were included, and Flu + Mon was found to significantly improve the total effective rate and reduce cough recurrence compared to Flu. The cough remission and disappearance times in the Mon + Flu group were significantly lower than those in the Flu group. FEV1% recovery in the Mon + Flu group was significantly better than that in the Flu group. CONCLUSION: Mon + Flu is effective and safe for the treatment of CVA in children.

Daratumumab infusion reaction rates pre- and post-addition of montelukast to pre-medications.

Daratumumab, a CD38-directed monoclonal antibody indicated for multiple myeloma treatment in adult patients, is associated with a high incidence of infusion-related reactions (IRRs). Due to CD38 receptor presence in the lungs, many reactions present similarly to asthma or allergic rhinitis. Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, has been hypothesized to reduce daratumumab IRRs due to its efficacy in treating allergic rhinitis and asthma and the presence of leukotriene receptors in the lungs. Recently published data reported daratumumab can be safely administered via rapid rate protocol that reduces infusion time from 195 min to 90 min after completion of two doses. This retrospective, observational cohort study examined 73 patients who received daratumumab in the outpatient setting between December 2015 and April 2020. Patients were included if they were 18 years or older, had an International Classification of Disease (ICD)-10 diagnosis code for multiple myeloma, and received daratumumab intravenously. The primary outcome was a comparison of IRRs between those who did and did not receive montelukast. Secondary outcomes included IRR symptoms, rescue medications utilized for IRRs, and rapid rate administration outcomes. Montelukast use was associated with a lower rate of IRRs (44.4% vs. 65.2%, p = 0.044). Pulmonary IRR symptoms were more common in those who did not receive montelukast. Rapid rate administration of daratumumab did not lead to any IRRs. Adding montelukast as a pre-medication for daratumumab infusions led to a reduction in IRRs, and rapid rate administration was found to be safe after completion of two full doses of daratumumab.

Effect of budesonide combined with montelukast sodium on pulmonary function parameters and immunoglobulin levels in children with bronchial asthma.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Bronchial asthma is a prevalent type of respiratory disease that affects a large proportion of pediatric patients. The purpose of this study is to further investigate the clinical effects of budesonide combined with montelukast sodium in treating bronchial asthma. METHODS: Eighty six children with bronchial asthma were equally divided into study and control groups via randomized double-blind controlled trial. The control group was treated with aerosol inhalation of budesonide combined with placebo, while the study group was treated with budesonide combined with montelukast sodium. Pulmonary function parameters, immunoglobulin, and recovery of related symptoms, along with the adverse reaction rate, were observed and compared between both groups. RESULTS: Before treatment, there was no marked difference in pulmonary function parameters and immunoglobulin indexes between both groups (P > 0.05). All pulmonary function indicators and immunoglobulin indexes in both groups improved following therapy, with the study group outperforming the control group (P < 0.05). The recovery time of related symptoms in the study group was shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in both groups was compared, with notable differences (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Budesonide combined with montelukast sodium in the treatment of bronchial asthma has the value of clinical application and promotion.