Section Review: Recent progress in the development of leukotriene B4antagonists

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Leukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a potent proinflammatory lipid mediator derived from arachidonic acid via the 5-lipoxygenase pathway. It is a powerful chemoattractant and activator of neutrophils and exhibits effects on other cell types as well. This eicosanoid has been implicated in a variety of inflammatory diseases including asthma, acute respiratory distress syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, contact dermatitis, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, gout, myocardial ischaemia, NSAID-induced gastropathy, psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Thus orally active and non-toxic antagonists of LTB4 could prove to be novel anti-inflammatory drugs with potential advantages over existing therapies. This article reviews recent developments regarding the discovery of second generation LTB4 antagonists with sufficient potency and oral activity in animal models to justify clinical examination in humans. It is hoped that such trials will lead to new treatment modalities for inflammatory disorders.