N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamic acid inhibits cellular recruitment and mediator release during the late allergen-induced nasal reaction.
OBJECTIVE
N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamic acid (NAAGA) was effective in the treatment of allergic rhinitis, with an action on early allergen-induced nasal symptoms and mediator release. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical activity of NAAGA and its effects on the late antigen-induced reaction in the nose.


METHODS
Ten patients with allergic seasonal rhinitis were included in this randomized double-blind crossover trial of a 6% wt/vol solution of NAAGA (daily dosage 84 mg) versus placebo (lactose). The drug and placebo were administered intranasally five times daily for 1 week, with a 2-week interval between treatments.


RESULTS
Treatment with NAAGA, but not with placebo, significantly reduced the late antigen-induced nasal symptoms, mainly nasal obstruction. Eosinophil numbers in the nasal lavages collected 6 h and 24 h after challenge were significantly lower after NAAGA than after placebo. Active treatment also significantly reduced the neutrophil count 6 h after antigen challenge, and significantly lowered eosinophil cationic protein and myeloperoxidase levels in nasal lavages 6 h and 24 h after antigen challenge.


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that treatment for 1 week with NAAGA can reduce the late antigen-induced reaction in the nose. This is accompanied by a reduction in eosinophil and neutrophil recruitment and release of eosinophil cationic protein and myeloperoxidase.
Miadonna
A
A
Third Division of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
Milazzo
N
N
Salmaso
C
C
Cottini
M
M
Lorini
M
M
Tedeschi
A
A
D000328:Adult; D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D002452:Cell Count / Q000187:drug effects; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004151:Dipeptides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D047091:Eosinophil Granule Proteins; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017817:Nasal Lavage Fluid; D009195:Peroxidase / Q000378:metabolism; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D012260:Ribonucleases
D018926:Anti-Allergic Agents; D001798:Blood Proteins; D004151:Dipeptides; D047091:Eosinophil Granule Proteins; C027172:isospaglumic acid; D009195:Peroxidase; D012260:Ribonucleases