Leukotriene inhibition in small animal medicine

Abstract

Leukotrienes are important mediators of inflammatory and allergic conditions in people and are suspected to play an important role in tumorigenesis and tumor growth of several different tumor types. Based on this, researchers are making great progress in identifying novel pharmacologic targets for several human diseases. Leukotriene inhibition has resulted in therapeutic benefit in clinical trials involving people with osteoarthritis, allergic asthma, and atopic dermatitis. Despite this progress and the possibility that leukotriene inhibition may also play an important therapeutic role in veterinary patients, parallel advances have not yet been made in veterinary medicine. This article summarizes leukotriene function and synthesis. It also reviews the published literature regarding potential therapeutic applications of leukotriene inhibition in both human and veterinary medicine, focusing primarily on osteoarthritis, NSAID induced gastrointestinal mucosal damage, allergic asthma, atopic dermatitis, and cancer.

Tepoxalin reduces pruritus and modified CADESI‐01 scores in dogs with atopic dermatitis: a prospective, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study

“…However, although the duration of the trials may have had some bearing on the results obtained, it is more likely that they are attributable to differences in the mode of action of the tested drugs. Inhibition of the COX pathway will not impair the biosynthesis of leucotrienes while blockade of only the 5‐LOX pathway or inhibition of leucotriene receptors will not reduce the availability of free arachidonic acid for the synthesis of prostaglandins, which also act as pro‐inflammatory mediators and reduce the threshold for histamine‐induced pruritus 53 . Consequently, the potential anti‐inflammatory benefit of prostaglandin or leucotriene inhibitors could be less than that of tepoxalin, which simultaneously inhibits both 5‐LOX and COX‐1 and ‐2 pathways.…”

Application of thrombelastography/thromboelastometry to veterinary medicine

“…Congenital and acquired disorders of platelet dysfunction are well characterized and relatively common in animals and have been reviewed 90–92 . Acquired platelet dysfunction can occur secondary to uremia, infection with various agents, such as Ehrlichia canis and FeLV, snake envenomation, neoplasia, liver disease, and drug administration, especially nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) 92–98 . The use of specific platelet inhibitor drugs, such as clopidogrel (platelet ADP chemoreceptor [P2Y 12 ] inhibitor), and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors may predispose animals to bleeding.…”

“…[90][91][92] Acquired platelet dysfunction can occur secondary to uremia, infection with various agents, such as Ehrlichia canis and FeLV, snake envenomation, neoplasia, liver disease, and drug administration, especially nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID). [92][93][94][95][96][97][98] The use of specific platelet inhibitor drugs, such as clopidogrel (platelet ADP chemoreceptor [P2Y 12 ] inhibitor), and glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibitors may predispose animals to bleeding. As such, there is interest in platelet function assays that are readily accessible, reliable, and costeffective for monitoring antiplatelet therapy or diagnosing congenital or acquired platelet disorders.…”

5-Lipoxygenase Metabolic Contributions to NSAID-Induced Organ Toxicity

“…factors [152]. NSAIDs may also be etiologically associated with atopic dermatitis, especially in canines [153]. As with urticarial reactions [154], reduction of LT activity is essential for control of this condition.…”