The leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast and its possible role in the cardiovascular field

Background: Cysteinyl leukotrienes (LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4) are pro-inflammatory mediators of the 5-lipooxygenase (5-LO) pathway, that play an important role in bronchoconstriction, but can also enhance endothelial cell permeability and myocardial contractility, and are involved in many other inflammatory conditions. In the late 1990s, leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) were introduced in therapy for asthma and later on, approved for the relief of the symptoms of allergic rhinitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and urticaria. In addition, it has been shown that LTRAs may have a potential role in preventing atherosclerosis progression. Purpose: The aims of this short review are to delineate the potential cardiovascular protective role of a LTRA, montelukast, beyond its traditional use, and to foster the design of appropriate clinical trials to test this hypothesis. Results and Conclusions: (Table presented.)