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Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is one of the most common chronic respiratory diseases in premature infants, especially in very low birth weight infants.Lung immaturity, inflammatory injury, oxidative stress and abnormal repair after injury are the important factors.Leukotriene is an inflammatory mediator of 5-lipoxygenase pathway and participates in the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.Montelukast, as a leukotriene receptor antagonist, may play a role in the treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia through anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and anti-fibrosis.This article will review the potential mechanism and related clinical researches of montelukast which is used in treating bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Objective To analyze the effect of leukotriene receptor antagonist on anti-inflammation and immune function in asthmatic patients .Methods 86 cases of asthma patients in our hospital from August to December 2014 were taken as the research objects ,they were randomly divided into the observation group with 43 cases and the control group with 43 cases ,the control group was treated with conventional therapy plus Seretide ,the observation group was given leukotriene receptor antago-nist-montelukast based on the control group ,two groups were treated for 14 d .The changes of inflammatory factors and im-mune function ,therapeutic effect ,adverse reaction were compared between the two groups after treatment .In the observation group after the treatment ,the IL-6 ,TNF-αand CRP were lower than that in the control group ,the difference was statistically significant (P<0 .05) .In the observation group after the treatment ,CD4+ and CD4+ /CD8+ were higher than that in the con-trol group ,CD8+ was lower than that in the control group ,the difference was statistically significant (P<0 .05) .After the treatment in the observation group ,the ACT score was higher than that in the control group ,the total effective rate was higher than that in the control group ,the difference was statistically significant (P<0 .05) .There was no obvious adverse reaction in the two groups .Conclusion Leukotriene antagonist (montelukast) could play an important role in improving the immune func-tion and anti-inflammation in asthma patients ,which might be an important mechanism to improve the therapeutic effect of asthma .
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OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast on inflammatory factor,air-way anatomy and lung function of children with cough variant asthma. METHODS:A total of 86 children with cough variant asth-ma selected from our hospital during Apr. 2010 to Aug. 2015 were divided into control group and observation group according to random number table,with 43 cases in each group. Control group was given Budesonide aerosol 0.4 mg,bid;observation group was given Montelukast sodium chewable tablets with different dose according to age(4 mg for 2-6 year-old,tid;5 mg for 7-12 year-old,tid).A treatment course of 2 groups lasted for 4 weeks,and both groups received 2 courses of treatment. The levels of inflammatory factor,airway anatomy and lung function indexes were detected in 2 groups before and after treatment,and the oc-currence of ADR was also observed. RESULTS:Before treatment,there was no statistical significance in above indexes between 2 groups(P>0.05). Compared to before treatment,the levels of IL-4,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α and hs-CRP in 2 groups were de-creased significantly after treatment;airway wall thickness,basement membrane thickness,airway wall thickness/outside diameter ratio,total area of airway wall,total area of airway wall/total area of airway were decreased significantly,while FVC,FEV1, FEV1/FVC,PEF were increased significantly;the indexes in observation group were significantly better than control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of ADR between 2 groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:For pediatric cough variant asthma,montelukast can significantly improve inflammatory reaction,airway status and lung function with good safety.
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OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast on inflammatory factor,air-way anatomy and lung function of children with cough variant asthma. METHODS:A total of 86 children with cough variant asth-ma selected from our hospital during Apr. 2010 to Aug. 2015 were divided into control group and observation group according to random number table,with 43 cases in each group. Control group was given Budesonide aerosol 0.4 mg,bid;observation group was given Montelukast sodium chewable tablets with different dose according to age(4 mg for 2-6 year-old,tid;5 mg for 7-12 year-old,tid).A treatment course of 2 groups lasted for 4 weeks,and both groups received 2 courses of treatment. The levels of inflammatory factor,airway anatomy and lung function indexes were detected in 2 groups before and after treatment,and the oc-currence of ADR was also observed. RESULTS:Before treatment,there was no statistical significance in above indexes between 2 groups(P>0.05). Compared to before treatment,the levels of IL-4,IL-6,IL-8,TNF-α and hs-CRP in 2 groups were de-creased significantly after treatment;airway wall thickness,basement membrane thickness,airway wall thickness/outside diameter ratio,total area of airway wall,total area of airway wall/total area of airway were decreased significantly,while FVC,FEV1, FEV1/FVC,PEF were increased significantly;the indexes in observation group were significantly better than control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in the incidence of ADR between 2 groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS:For pediatric cough variant asthma,montelukast can significantly improve inflammatory reaction,airway status and lung function with good safety.
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OBJECTIVE:To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of Leukotriene receptor antagonist combined with Gluco-corticoid nasal spray(called“intranasal steroid”for short)in the treatment of different degree of adenoidal hypertrophy(AH)com-plicated with allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS:240 AR children with AH were randomly divided into control group,intranasal steroid group and drug combination group,with 80 cases in each group. Control group was given physiological seawater,3 presses each nostrile,in the morning and evening. The intranasal steroid group received Momestasone furoate nasal spray,one press each nostrile,qd. Drug combination group was additionally given leukotriene receptor antagonist Montelukast sodium chewable tablet,4 mg for under 5 year-old and 5 mg for 5-year-old or above,qd,at bedtime. Treatment course of 3 groups lasted for 12 weeks. The change of clinical symptoms and signs(such as nasal obstruction,snore,mouth breathing,etc)and adenoid/pharyngeal ratio(A/N ratio)were compared among 3 groups after treatment as well as the occurrence of ADR. Each group was divided into two sub-groups (medium and severe) according to the severity of AH so as to evaluate therapeutic efficacy. RESULTS:21 children withdrew from the study,including 11 cases in control group,6 in intranasal steroid group and 4 in drug combination group. After treatment,clinical symptom score and A/N in subgroups of drug combination group and intranasal steroid group were all lower than those of control group,with statistical significance(P0.05). Clini-cal symptom score and A/N of AR complicated with severe AH subgroup from drug combination group were lower than intranasal steroid group,with statistical significance (P<0.05). No obvious ADR occurred in 3 groups. CONCLUSIONS:Intranasal steroid alone and intranasal steroid combined with leukotriene receptor antagonist can improve clinical symptom of AR patients with AH, and reduce adenoid volume. It is suggested to use intranasal steroid firstly for medium AH complicated with AR,and additionally use Leukotriene receptor antagonist for severe AH complicated with AR.
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Eosinophillic glanuromatosis with polyangitis (EGPA) usually occurs in patients with a recent history (usually less than 10 years) of uncontrolled bronchial asthma. Here we describe a case of EGPA that occurred in a 68-year-old female who had well-controlled bronchial asthma for 17 years. A leukotriene receptor antagonist that had been prescribed one week before onset might have triggered the disease. Our case shows that there is a wide spectrum of clinical characteristics of EGPA, making diagnosis difficult in a primary care setting.
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PURPOSE: There have been few reports regarding the efficacy of antiasthmatics in older patients. To compare the efficacy of the addition of montelukast to low-dose inhaled budesonide (MON-400BUD) versus increasing the dose of inhaled steroid (800BUD) on asthma control in older asthmatics. METHODS: A randomized, open-label, parallel-designed trial was conducted for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the rate of patients who reached "well-controlled asthma status" after the 12-week treatment period. Additionally, asthma exacerbations, sputum inflammatory cells, asthma control test (ACT) and physical functioning scale (PFS), and adverse reactions were monitored. RESULTS: Twenty-four (36.9%) and 22 (34.9%) subjects in the MON-400BUD (n=65) and 800BUD (n=63) groups had well-controlled asthma at the end of the study, respectively. The numbers of asthma exacerbations requiring oral corticosteroid treatment (20 vs 9, respectively, P=0.036) and the development of sore throat (22 vs 11, respectively, P=0.045) were significantly higher in the 800BUD group than in the MON-400BUD group. Body mass index and changes in ACT, FEV1%, 6-min walk distance and PFS from baseline were all significant determinants for distinguishing subjects with well-controlled and partly controlled asthma from those with uncontrolled asthma (P<0.05) at the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of 12-week treatment with MON-400BUD in older asthmatics was comparable to that of 800BUD on asthma control but associated with reduced frequency of asthma exacerbations requiring oral steroids and sore throat events. Changes in ACT and PFS can be useful predictors of asthma control status in older patients.
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Humans , Anti-Asthmatic Agents , Asthma , Body Mass Index , Budesonide , Motor Activity , Pharyngitis , Sputum , SteroidsABSTRACT
As the application of leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA) is widely used among children with asthma,the heterogeneity of response to montelukast and its related factors are attracting more and more attention.At present,the research has made some progresses,but it is still in the stage of development and cannot reach a consensus.The related factors,including individual characteristics,body mass index,smoking exposure,genetic factors are described in this review,to improve the rationality of drug selection in order to reduce side effects 、improving therapeutic efficacy and achieve good asthma control.
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Objective To study the effect of genetic polymorphism of leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4S) and 5-lipoxy-genase (ALOX5) on efifcacy of leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) in children with moderate persistent asthma. Methods Seventy-two children with moderate persistent asthma who visited the out-patient clinic of Shanghai Children’s Medical. Center from June 2011 to June 2013 were divided into two groups, each of which ifrst had ICS or LTRA+ICS for twelve weeks and then had the other for another twelve weeks. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to assess the genetic polymorphism of LTC4S RS730012 and ALOX5 RS2115819. Pulmonary function, clinical symptoms and C-ACT score were evaluated before and after treatment. Results After the treatment with LTRA, 75%forced expiratory lfow (FEF75) was improved more signiifcantly in patients with A/C or C/C genotype at LTC4S (RS730012) locus than in patients with A/A genotype. After the treatment with LTRA+ICS, there was no difference of pulmonary function among patients with different genotypes at ALOX5 (RS2115819). Conclusions The SNP of LTC4S (RS730012) is associated with the efifcacy of montelukast in asthmatic patients because of the improvement of small airway function.
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Objective To explore the effect of leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRAs,montelukast) on serum indicators,urine indicators,renal pathology,intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1),nephrin and podocalyxin on renal tissue in adriamycin(ADR)-induced nephropathy(ADN) rats.Methods ADN was induced through a tail intravenons injection of ADR.The 40 healthy male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups:group A (control group),group B(ADN group),group C(prednisone-treated group),group D(montelukast-treated group) and group E (prednisone and montelukast-treated group).Twenty-four-hour urinary protein (24 h-up) and serum index were measured serially in the 4th,8th week and the values of creatinine clearance rate(Ccr) were calculated.At the end of the 8th week,all rats were sacrificed to collect kidney tissues for microscopy observation of renal pathological changes.The expression of nephrin,podocalyxin and ICAM-1 in renal tissues were detected through immunohistochemistry method.Results Compared with group A,in the 4th week,24 h-up and albumin reached the level of ADR nephropathy model.Compared with group B,in the 8th week,24 h-up,cholesterol,serum creatinine and renal pathology changes in the 3 treated groups were significantly reduced (P ＜ 0.05),but serum total protein,albumin and Ccr significantly increased (P ＜ 0.05),while extracellular matrix/glomerulararea and renal pathology score significantly reduced (P ＜ 0.01),and ICAM-1 significantly decreased(P ＜0.01).Compared with group C and group D,expressions of nephrin and podocalyxin in group E were the highest.Besides,the curative effect of integrated treatment was better than other treatments.Conclusions Maybe through inhibition of ICAM-1,LTRAs had a protective effect on renal tissue.The integrated treatment of LTRAs with prednisone has a synergistic effect and drug effect is superior to any drug alone in ADN.
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BACKGROUND: Montelukast is a type 1 cysteinyl-leukotrienes receptor antagonist that has been widely used in allergic disease. However, the effect of combination of leukotriene receptor antagonist and antihistamine is controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of combination treatment of montelukast and antihistamine, fexofenadine, over antihistamine alone in patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 60 patients with AR was undertaken. Patients were classified into combination group (montelukast and fexofenadine, n=28) and antihistamine only group (fexofenadine, n=32) according to treatment modalities. Questionnaire survey was performed and allergic symptoms (VAS scale, 5pointscale), and SNOT (sinonasal outcome test)-20 score were obtained before and after the treatment. RESULTS: Mean follow-up duration was 6.7+/-4.6weeks. There was no significant difference in demographic data between two groups. Allergic symptoms and SNOT-20 score(nasal, QOL domain) were improved significantly in both groups after the treatment (all p 0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: A combination treatment of montelukast and fexofenadine showed more efficacies in nasal obstruction than single fexofenadine treatment in patients with AR. Therefore, montelukast could be used effectively with antihistamine in patients with AR complaining nasal congestion.
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Humans , Acetates , Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) , Follow-Up Studies , Nasal Obstruction , Quinolines , Receptors, Leukotriene , Retrospective Studies , Rhinitis , Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial , Terfenadine , Surveys and QuestionnairesABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of mast cells and their product, histamine and leukotriene in ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS: Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups. (Group I: Control group without ischemia, Group II: Normal saline with ischemia, Group III: Cimetidine with ischemia, Group IV: Zafirlukast with ischemia) Skin flap was elevated and ischemic insult was given by clamping the artery for 12 hours. Before reperfusion, the rats were treated with saline, cimetidine and zafirlukast. Flap survival was evaluated at 7 days. Neutrophil counts, mast cell counts were evaluated 24 hours after reperfusion. RESULTS: Flap survival rate in the control group was 92.33%, whereas normal saline group had 37.34% survivals. Cimetidine and zafirlukast treated group showed significantly higher survival rates than normal saline group. The neutrophil and mast cell counts in cimetidine and zafirlukast treated group were significantly decreased than normal saline group. Cimetidine treated group showed higher survival rate and lower cell counts than zafirlukast treated group. CONCLUSION: The administration of cimetidine and zafirlukast can decrease neutrophils and mast cells caused by ischemia-reperfusion and increase flap survivals. It is suggests that antihistamine and leukotriene receptor antagonist have protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury to skin flap in rat.
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Animals , Rats , Arteries , Cell Count , Cimetidine , Constriction , Histamine , Ischemia , Mast Cells , Neutrophils , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Receptors, Leukotriene , Reperfusion , Reperfusion Injury , Skin , Survival Rate , Tosyl CompoundsABSTRACT
Background: Cysteinyl leukotrienes have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of asthma. The effect of the leukotriene receptor antagonist, montelukast, on bronchial hyperreactivity (BHR) as measured by the methacholine challenge test in school children has not been reported. Objective: To determine the effect of montelukast (Singulairâ) on BHR measured by methacholine challenge and lung function tests in Thai asthmatic children aged 6-13 years. Materials and methods: This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study performed in 29 mild to moderate persistent asthmatic children aged 6-13 years. Each child received crossover treatment with 6 weeks of montelukast (5 mg/day) and 6 weeks of placebo separated by a two-week washout period. Results: The improvement of FEV1 and FEV1/FVC after 6 weeks of treatment was significantly higher in montelukast group compared to those of placebo group (p<0.05). After 6 weeks of treatment, mean (+ SEM) PC was 20 in the placebo group (5.7 + 1.41 mg/ml) which was lower than in montelukast group (6.8 + 1.74 mg/ml) but there was no significant difference (p=0.79). Conclusion: Montelukast significantly improved FEV1 and FEV1/FVC but not BHR in mild to moderate persistent asthmatic children aged 6-13 years after the 6 weeks of treatment.
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Objective To explore the effect of leukotriene receptor antagonist on the airway inflammation in bronchiolitis after respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)infection and the prevention of post-bronchiolitis asthma by studying the changes of serum concentration of inflammatory cellular factors including ECP,IL-12,IL-13 and LTE4.Methods 156 children with mild and moderate RSV bronchiolitis were recruited in the study and they were randomly divided into three groups after alleviation of asthmatic symptoms:the intervention group with montelukast sodium tablets oral;hormone intervention group with Budesonide suspension spray;control group.Blood samples were collected on the first day on admission,before treatment,3 months after medication.Serum concentrations of ECP,IL-12,IL-13 and LTE4 were measured by ELISA.Clinical and telephone follow up was done for one year.Results Compared to control group,the ECP,IL-13 and LTE4 levels of 156 RSV bronchiolitis in acute phase and recovery phase were signifieantly increased,while the IL-12 level was significantly decreased.The ECP,IL-13levels of singulair intervention group and the hormone intervention group were decreased after intervention,and the IL-12 level rise to normal;the LTE4 level of singulair intervention group and the hormone intervention group decreased significantly than before intervention,singulair intervention group recovered to normal levels(t=1.0866,P＞0.05),but hormone treatment group did not recover to normal levels(t=3.4355,P＜0.01).Singulair intervention group had lower recurrence of asthma(χ2=7.8156,P＜0.01).Conclusion The leukotriene receptorantagonists could regulate the imbalance of Th1/Th2,reduce the release of LTE4 and the activation of eosinophils,alleviate airway inflammation and airway hyperreactivity,reduce wheezing,and it play a role in the prevention of asthma.
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PURPOSE: We evaluated the efficacy of leukotriene receptor antagonist and second generation anti-histamine in children with moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis. METHODS: Twenty eight patients who were treated with second generation anti-histamine for 4 weeks (Zyrtec syrup(R), Group A) and 58 patients who were treated with leukotriene receptor antagonist for 4 weeks (Singulair(R), Group B) were enrolled in this study. Control group (n=22) was received only first generation anti-histamine (Hydroxyzine) intermittently. Efficacy were evaluated by nasal scores in nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, sneezing and total nasal symptom score (a sum of patient ratings of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, nasal itching, sneezing) before treatment and at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: There were no difference in the total IgE and total eosinophil count of 3 groups. There were also no significant difference in the initial symptom scores. For nasal congestion, group A and B showed significant improvement at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment compared with controls (each P=0.006, P=0.000, P=0.023, P=0.001). For sneezing, group A and B showed significant improvement at 2 weeks after treatment compared with controls (each P=0.048, P=0.011) and group B also showed significant improvement at 4 weeks after treatment compared with controls (P=0.041). In total nasal symptom score (TNSS), group A and B showed significant improvement at 2 and 4 weeks after treatment compared with controls (each P=0.014, P=0.005, P=0.008, P=0.005). CONCLUSION: In the moderate to severe persistent allergic rhinitis, leukotriene receptor antagonist or second generation anti-histamine is effective in nasal congestion and sneezing.
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Child , Humans , Eosinophils , Estrogens, Conjugated (USP) , Immunoglobulin E , Pruritus , Receptors, Leukotriene , Rhinitis , Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial , SneezingABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Cysteinyl leukotrienes are important inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of asthma; therefore interruption of cysteinyl leukotrienes by leukotriene receptor antagonists improves clinical symptoms in the management of patients with mild to moderate asthma. We evaluated whether clinical response to montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, in childhood asthma was predicted by genotypes of leukotriene C4 synthase (LTC4S) promoter gene polymorphism. METHODS: An 8-week prospective, open trial of montelukast was carried out in 161 children with mild to moderate asthma. Genotyping of LTC4S gene polymorphism was determined by restriction fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: The distribution of the LTC4S genotypes AA, AC, and CC was 70.8 percent, 23.6 percent, and 5.6 percent, respectively in asthma group and 74.0 percent, 22.6 percent, and 3.4 percent, respectively in control group. A statistically significant difference in the distribution of LTC4S genotype was not observed between the asthma and the control groups, and there was no significant difference between the LTC4S genotype and asthma severity. The responders to montelukast were significantly prevalent in the mild asthma group (P< 0.05). There was no significant difference in the distribution of the responders compared to non-responders within genotype in the total asthma group or the moderate asthma group. However, the responsiveness for montelukast was significant difference within genotype for both AA and AC/CC in the mild asthma group: The AA genotype was more included in the responder group (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the mild persistent asthma group, the A allele of LTC4S polymorphism may be regarded as a predictable factor for clinical response to montelukast. However, LTC4S polymorphism was not significantly associated with the clinical response to montelukast in asthmatic children.
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Child , Humans , Alleles , Asthma , Genotype , Leukotriene Antagonists , Leukotriene C4 , Leukotrienes , Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length , Prospective Studies , Receptors, LeukotrieneABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Cough-variant asthma (CVA) is a common cause of chronic cough in young children. Some children who have CVA eventually develop classic asthma. We evaluated the effect of inhaled corticosteroid and leukotriene receptor antagonist in young children who are suspected of having CVA. METHODS: Thirty-seven cough-variant asthma patients younger than 5-years-old were enrolled in this study. Fifteen were treated with pulmicort nebulization (500 micorgram, bid) for 4 weeks (Group A). Fourteen were treated with leukotriene receptor antagonist (Singulair, 4 mg) for 4 weeks (Group B). Eleven were treated with intermittent short-acting beta2-agonist nebulization (Group C). We evaluated the mean change of symptom score in night cough and sleep disturbance. RESULTS: There were no differences in age, sex, total IgE, total eosinophil count or duration of cough among the three groups. Group A and B showed significant improvement of night cough and sleep disturbance after treatment. (P< 0.05) In Group A and B, night cough was significantly improved after treatment more than in control. (P< 0.05) But improvements in sleep disturbance didn't have any signigicant differences between the three groups. (P= 1.0) CONCLUSION: Inhaled corticosteroid and leukotriene receptor antagonist are effective to control chronic cough in CVA children younger than 5-years-old.
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Child , Humans , Asthma , Budesonide , Cough , Eosinophils , Immunoglobulin E , Receptors, LeukotrieneABSTRACT
Aim To determine whether pranlukast (ONO-1078), a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist, possesses therapeutic effect when administered after focal cerebral ischemia in mice. Methods Persistent focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion. Pranlukast and edaravone, a positive control drug, were ip injected 1, 6 and 24 h after ischemia. The neurological deficits were evaluated by neurological scores and inclined plane test 24 and 48 h after the surgery. Forty-eight h later, the brain slices were prepared for measurements of infarct volume and the ratio of ischemic/non-ischemic hemispheres. Brain sections were cut and examined for neuron densities in different regions of the brain. The effects of pranlukast and edaravone were evaluated by the changes of these variables. Results Pranlukast (0.1 and 0.2 mg?kg -1) and edaravone (3 and 10 mg?kg -1) significantly reduced the neurological deficits, infarct volume (maximally 82.3%), ratio of ischemic/non-ischemic hemispheres, and attenuated the reduction of neuron densities in hippocampal CA1 region, cortex and striatum. Conclusion Pranlukast possesses therapeutic effect on ischemic insults when administered after ischemia as effective as edravone, indicating a therapeutic potential in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Aim To study the effect of montelukast on eosinophilic airway inflammation of asthmatic guinea pigs,and explore possible mechanism of montelukast. Methods Experimental asthma model of guinea pigs was induced by ovalbumin in vivo. The eosinophils in BALF were separated by density gradient centrifugation. The apoptosis of eosinophils was labeled by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)technique. The content of IL-5 in BALF was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The level of ECP in BALF was detected through fluorescence enzyme-labeled assay. Results In BALF of asthmatic guinea pigs model, the number of eosinophils and content of IL-5 and ECP increased obviously, while the apoptosis index of eosinophils was lowered. After treatment with montelukast, the number of eosinophils and content of IL-5 and ECP in BALF of asthmatic guinea pigs decreased significantly, while the apoptosis index of eosinophils was elevated significantly. Conclusion Montelukast can inhibit the eosinophilic airway inflammation of asthmatic guinea pigs. Lowering the levels of IL-5 and ECP in BALF, promoting apoptosis of eosinophils and relieving airway infiltration of eosinophils may be important mechanisms for montelukast to antagonize airway inflammation of asthma.