Tolerability profiles of leukotriene receptor antagonists and long-acting beta2-adrenoceptor agonists in combination with inhaled corticosteroids for treatment of asthma: a review

4-CMTB Ameliorates Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma through FFA2 Activation in Mice

Free fatty acid receptor 2 (FFA2, also known as GPR43), a G-protein-coupled receptor, has been known to recognize short-chain fatty acids and regulate inflammatory responses. FFA2 gene deficiency exacerbated disease states in several models of inflammatory conditions including asthma. However, in vivo efficacy of FFA2 agonists has not been tested in allergic asthma. Thus, we investigated effect of 4-chloro-α-(1-methylethyl)-N-2-thiazoylylbenzeneacetanilide (4-CMTB), a FFA2 agonist, on antigen-induced degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells and ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in BALB/c mice. Treatment of 4-CMTB inhibited the antigen-induced degranulation concentration-dependently. Administration of 4-CMTB decreased the immune cell numbers in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and suppressed the expression of inflammatory Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13) in the lung tissues. Histological studies revealed that 4-CMTB suppressed mucin production and inflammation in the lungs. Thus, results proved that FFA2 functions to suppress allergic asthma, suggesting 4-CMTB activation of FFA2 as a therapeutic tool for allergic asthma.

The Purinergic System as a Pharmacological Target for the Treatment of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases

Immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) encompass a wide range of seemingly unrelated conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Despite differing etiologies, these diseases share common inflammatory pathways, which lead to damage in primary target organs and frequently to a plethora of systemic effects as well. The purinergic signaling complex comprising extracellular nucleotides and nucleosides and their receptors, the P2 and P1 purinergic receptors, respectively, as well as catabolic enzymes and nucleoside transporters is a major regulatory system in the body. The purinergic signaling complex can regulate the development and course of IMIDs. Here we provide a comprehensive review on the role of purinergic signaling in controlling immunity, inflammation, and organ function in IMIDs. In addition, we discuss the possible therapeutic applications of drugs acting on purinergic pathways, which have been entering clinical development, to manage patients suffering from IMIDs.