Formulation and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loading RF22-c, a Potent and Selective 5-LO Inhibitor, in a Monocrotaline-Induced Model of Pulmonary Hypertension.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare but fatal disease characterized by persistent elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary circulation, due to increased resistance to blood flow, through the lungs. Advances in the understanding of the pathobiology of PAH clarify the role of leukotrienes (LTs) that appear to be an exciting new target for disease intervention. Over the years, our group has long investigated this field, detecting the 1,2-benzoquinone as the most powerful and selective competitive inhibitor of the enzyme 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO).

Montelukast Improves Symptoms and Lung Function in Asthmatic Women Compared With Men.

Gender differences exist in the prevalence of asthma and allergic diseases, partially due to the effects of sex hormones on the development of allergic manifestations. Women, compared with men, are more prone to suffer allergic asthma, experience difficulties in controlling asthma symptoms, and show adverse responses to drugs. However, there are knowledge gaps on the effectiveness of anti-leukotrienes drugs on lung function, symptoms, and pulmonary and systemic inflammation in adult asthmatic women compared with men.

Nociceptin/Orphanin Fq in inflammation and remodeling of the small airways in experimental model of airway hyperresponsiveness.

It is widely recognized that airway inflammation and remodeling play a key role not only in the central airway but also small airway pathology during asthma. Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ (N/OFQ), an endogenous peptide, and its receptor N/OFQ peptide (NOP) are involved in airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). We studied a murine model of AHR in order to understand the role of N/OFQ in the inflammation and remodeling of the small airways.

Lung Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Elastase-Induced Damage in an Animal Model of Emphysema.

Pulmonary emphysema is a respiratory condition characterized by alveolar destruction that leads to airflow limitation and reduced lung function. Although with extensive research, the pathophysiology of emphysema is poorly understood and effective treatments are still missing. Evidence suggests that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) possess the ability to engraft the injured tissues and induce repair via a paracrine effect.

Recent advances in the search for novel 5-lipoxygenase inhibitors for the treatment of asthma.

The products of 5-lipoxygenase are synthesized and released in the airway when an asthmatic reaction occurs. 5-lipoxygenase via arachidonic acid metabolism produces leukotrienes that mediate bronchoconstriction and inflammatory modifications essential in the pathophysiology of asthma. Until to now, only one approved 5-LO inhibitor, zileuton, can be found as a potential therapy for asthma.