The anti-inflammatory effects of therapies for ocular allergy.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

In this review, we aim to summarize the currently available compounds targeting the different components of the inflammatory cascade triggered by an ocular allergic reaction, from mast cells to eosinophils and lymphocytes, with a special focus on specific signs and symptoms that are related to them.

METHODS:

The article gives a review of topical therapies utilized to treat the various forms of allergic conjunctivitis, starting from the first drugs developed in the 1980s up to the new compounds that are currently being developed. These include antihistamines, mast cell stabilizers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, and topical immunosuppressants.

RESULTS:

The treatment options that have been developed for allergic conjunctivitis in the past 30 years are the result of a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in the initiation and perpetuation of the ocular allergic reaction, which is guiding us toward a more specific treatment approach.

CONCLUSIONS:

Several reports and literature reviews have demonstrated that a better knowledge of the immunopathogenesis of the different types of ocular allergy has improved the treatment choice resulting in better clinical outcomes for ocular allergy sufferers. Specifically, the development of novel compounds targeting specific cells and/or cytokines involved in the ocular immune reaction provided safer and more tolerated drugs for both mild-to-moderate and severe forms of allergic conjunctivitis. The correlation of clinical responses to drugs with what we understand about the molecular mechanisms involved could possibly prove useful for developing more standardized treatments in the near future.

• Authors: Flavio Mantelli, Virginia L Calder, Stefano Bonini
• Journal: Journal of ocular pharmacology and therapeutics : the official journal of the Association for Ocular Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J Ocul Pharmacol Ther) Vol. 29 Issue 9 Pg. 786-93 (Nov 2013) ISSN: 1557-7732 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24044620 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Anti-Allergic Agents
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
• Cytokines
• Histamine Antagonists
• Immunosuppressive Agents

Topics

• Animals
• Anti-Allergic Agents (adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal (adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Conjunctivitis, Allergic (drug therapy, immunology)
• Cytokines (metabolism)
• Drug Design
• Eosinophils (metabolism)
• Histamine Antagonists (adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Immunosuppressive Agents (adverse effects, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Inflammation (drug therapy, immunology)
• Lymphocytes (metabolism)
• Mast Cells (metabolism)