Beclomethasone dipropionate blunts allergen-induced early increase in urinary LTE4.
BACKGROUND
The inhibitory effect of corticosteroids (CS) on the secretions of cysteinyl-leukotrienes (Cys-LTs) in asthma is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of CS on allergen-induced increase in urinary leukotriene E4 (uLTE4) during early (EAR) and late (LAR) asthmatic responses in mild untreated asthmatics.


METHODS
Nine subjects with mild untreated allergic asthma performed two allergen challenges, after 1-week treatment with beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP, 500 microg b.i.d) or placebo. Forced Expiratory Volume in one second 1 (FEV1) was monitored to assess EAR and LAR, and uLTE4 was measured before and during EAR and LAR.


RESULTS
After placebo, uLTE4 increased significantly during EAR, but not during and after LAR, in comparison with baseline values. Beclomethasone dipropionate induced a significant attenuation of the uLTE4 increase during EAR, in comparison with placebo, in association with a good protection of LAR (P = 0.002) and a mild protection of EAR (P = 0.07).


CONCLUSIONS
Beclomethasone dipropionate blunts the early increase in uLTE4 excretion due to allergen challenge, in association with a significant effect on the severity of LAR. These data support the hypothesis that inhaled CS may inhibit the allergen-induced release of cys-LTs in asthma.
Bartoli
Maria Laura
ML
Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
Dente
Federico Lorenzo
FL
Bancalari
Lorenza
L
Bacci
Elena
E
Cianchetti
Silvana
S
Di Franco
Antonella
A
Vagaggini
Barbara
B
Paggiaro
Pier Luigi
PL
D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000328:Adult; D000485:Allergens / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology; D001507:Beclomethasone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D017999:Leukotriene E4 / Q000652:urine*; D008297:Male; D013147:Spirometry; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
D000485:Allergens; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D017999:Leukotriene E4; D001507:Beclomethasone