Montelukast is a highly selective
leukotriene-receptor antagonist (LTRA). It is widely used in the treatment of
bronchial asthma, primarily as an adjunct to
corticosteroids.
Reactive oxygen species (ROSs) play an important role in the pathogenesis of
asthma and oxidative stress contributing to the initiation and worsening of inflammatory respiratory disorders, such as
asthma.
Antioxidant drugs may have a role in minimizing or preventing damage in asthmatic children. The aim of this study was to assess the
antioxidant effect of
montelukast on the production of
free radicals in the whole blood and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) in asthmatic children. A group of 48 (38 males and 10 females), apparently healthy asthmatic children were recruited with ages ranging between 6 and 14 years. In asthmatic children, base line (
premedication) and post medication
free radicals activity in the whole blood and polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) was determined by measuring chemiluminescence (CL) response through chemiluminescence luminometer.
Free radical productions were significantly decreased in the whole blood, when stimulated with
Phorbol Myristate Acetate (p < 0.04) and Opsonised
Zymosan (p < 0.05). The
free radicals were also significantly decreased in isolated polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) when stimulated with Opsonised
Zymosan (p < 0.05) after the post medication treatment of
montelukast in asthmatic children.
Montelukast decreased the
reactive oxygen species production, both in the whole blood as well as isolated PMNs in asthmatic children.