Therapeutic potential of thromboxane inhibitors in asthma

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
This paper reviews the role of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) in the pathogenesis of pulmonary allergies, particularly asthma. The potential of TXA2 modifiers in the prevention and/or treatment of pulmonary allergies is also discussed. Bronchial asthma is characterised by reversible airway obstruction, bronchial hyperresponsiveness and inflammation. Several studies have elucidated the role of arachidonic acid metabolites (leukotrienes, prostaglandins and TXA2) in the pathogenesis of asthma. Among those mediators, TXA2 has attracted attention due to its strong physiological activity. Indeed, TXA2 demonstrates not only potent bronchoconstrictive activity but is also believed to be involved both in late asthmatic responses and in bronchial hyperresponsiveness, a typical feature of this disease. Several thromboxane receptor antagonists (TXRAs) and thromboxane synthase inhibitors (TXSIs) have been studied with the aim of reducing or preventing asthma. As double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials have proven the ...