Reacciones adversas a montelukast: de la teoría a la práctica. Serie de casos / Adverse drug reactions of montelukast: from theory to practice. Case report

El montelukast se utiliza ampliamente en el tratamiento de sibilancias recurrentes y/o asma. Están descritas numerosas reacciones adversas medicamentosas (RAM) en niños relacionadas con montelukast; se destacan las neuropsiquiátricas. Realizamos un estudio observacional, retrospectivo, descriptivo, sobre RAM relacionadas con montelukast. Entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2017, en la Unidad de Neumonología Pediátrica se trataron con Montelukast 348 pacientes; de ellos, 20 presentaron RAM. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron insomnio (n = 7), hiperactividad (n = 4), pesadillas (n = 3), dolor abdominal (n = 2) y parestesias en extremidades (n = 2). Se presentaron desde días hasta meses tras iniciar el tratamiento, y desaparecieron tras su suspensión. Se destacan dos pacientes con parestesias en extremidades, síntoma no descrito antes en niños. El 5,7 % de los pacientes tratados con montelukast presentaron RAM que requirieron suspender el tratamiento. Los trastornos del sueño fueron los más frecuentes.

Montelukast is widely used in recurrent wheezing and/or asthma treatment. Several adverse drug reactions (ADRs) have been described in children related to montelukast. Neuropsychiatric reactions are one of the most important. We designed an observational, retrospective, descriptive study on ADRs related to montelukast in the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain. Between January 2012 and December 2017, in the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, 348 patients were treated with Montelukast; of them, 20 presented RAM. The main symptoms described were insomnia (n = 7), hyperactivity (n = 4), nightmares (n = 3), abdominal pain (n = 2) and paraesthesia in extremities (n = 2). They appeared from the first days to months after the start of treatment and disappeared after stopping it. Two patients presented limb paresthesia, not described previously in children. The 5.7 % of our patients treated with montelukast had ADRs that required treatment discontinuation. Sleep disorders were the most frequent.

Efficacy and safety of salmeterol/fluticasone compared with montelukast alone (or add-on therapy to fluticasone) in the treatment of bronchial asthma in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Despite the recommendation of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) plus long-acting beta 2-agonist (LABA) and leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) or ICS/LTRA as stepwise approaches in asthmatic children, there is a lack of published systematic review comparing the efficacy and safety of the two therapies in children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 years. This study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of salmeterol/fluticasone (SFC) vs. montelukast (MON), or combination of montelukast and fluticasone (MFC) in children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 years with bronchial asthma.@*METHODS@#A systematic search was conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, China BioMedical Literature Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodical, and Wanfang for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from inception to May 24, 2021. Interventions are as follows: SFC vs. MON, or combination of MFC, with no limitation of dosage or duration. Primary and secondary outcome measures were as follows: the primary outcome of interest was the risk of asthma exacerbation. Secondary outcomes included risk of hospitalization, pulmonary function, asthma control level, quality of life, and adverse events (AEs). A random-effects (I2 ≥ 50%) or fixed-effects model (I2 < 50%) was used to calculate pooled effect estimates, comparing the outcomes between the intervention and control groups where feasible.@*RESULTS@#Of the 1006 articles identified, 21 studies met the inclusion criteria with 2643 individuals; two were at low risk of bias. As no primary outcomes were similar after an identical treatment duration in the included studies, meta-analysis could not be performed. However, more studies favored SFC, instead of MON, owing to a lower risk of asthma exacerbation in the SFC group. As for secondary outcome, SFC showed a significant improvement of peak expiratory flow (PEF)%pred after 4 weeks compared with MFC (mean difference [MD]: 5.45; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57-9.34; I2 = 95%; P = 0.006). As for asthma control level, SFC also showed a higher full-controlled level (risk ratio [RR]: 1.51; 95% CI: 1.24-1.85; I2 = 0; P < 0.001) and higher childhood asthma control test score after 4 weeks of treatment (MD: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.39-3.21; I2 = 72%; P < 0.001) compared with MFC.@*CONCLUSIONS@#SFC may be more effective than MFC for the treatment of asthma in children and adolescents, especially in improving asthma control level. However, there is insufficient evidence to make firm conclusive statements on the use of SFC or MON in children and adolescents aged 4 to 18 years with asthma. Further research is needed, particularly a combination of good-quality long-term prospective studies and well-designed RCTs.@*PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER@#CRD42019133156.

Switching from efavirenz to elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide reduces central nervous system symptoms in people living with HIV / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

BACKGROUND@#Central nervous system (CNS) symptoms after efavirenz (EFV) treatment in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) could persist and impact their quality of life. We assessed the impact of EFV-based regimen replacement with elvitegravir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (E/C/F/TAF), which is considered an alternative option for subjects who do not tolerate EFV. Most specifically, we assessed the safety and the efficacy of E/C/F/TAF and its effects on the participants' neuropsychiatric toxicity symptoms in a real-life setting.@*METHODS@#A prospective cohort study was conducted among virologic suppressed HIV-positive participants receiving EFV-based regimens with ongoing CNS toxicity ≥ grade 2. The participants were switched to single-pill combination regimens E/C/F/TAF and followed up for 48 weeks. The neuropsychiatric toxicity symptoms were measured using a CNS side effects questionnaire, as well as the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of participants experiencing grade 2 or higher CNS toxicity after EFV switch off at weeks 12, 24, and 48. Secondary endpoints included virologic and immunological responses and the effect on fasting lipids at week 48 after switch.@*RESULTS@#One hundred ninety-six participants (96.9% men, median age: 37.5 years, median: 3.7 years on prior EFV-containing regimens) were included in the study. Significant improvements in anxiety and sleep disturbance symptoms were observed at 12, 24, and 48 weeks after switching to E/C/F/TAF (P < 0.05). No significant change in depression symptom scores was observed. At 48 weeks after switch, HIV viral load <50 copies/mL was maintained in all of the participants, median fasting lipid levels were moderately increased (total cholesterol [TC]: 8.2 mg/dL, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C]: 8.5 mg/dL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [HDL-C]: 2.9 mg/dL, and triglyceride (TG): 1.6 mg/dL, and the TC:HDL-C ratio remained stable.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The single-pill combination regimens E/C/F/TAF is safe and well tolerated. This study reveals that switching from EFV to E/C/F/TAF significantly reduces neuropsychiatric toxicity symptoms in people living with HIV with grade 2 or higher CNS complaints.

Respuesta de Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) a transflutrina y linalol impregnados en diferentes tipos de tela / Response of Aedes aegypti L. (Diptera: Culicidae) to transfluthrin and linalool impregnated in different of fabric types

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar el efecto de repelencia espacial contra Ae. aegypti de dos compuestos químicos impregnados en diferentes tipos de telas. Material y métodos: El estudio se realizó en el periodo 2015-2016 en el Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, del Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. Se utilizó el Sistema de Procesamiento de Alto-rendimiento para evaluar la respuesta de Ae. aegypti a transflutrina y linalol, impregnados individualmente a diferentes concentraciones en popelina, algodón y poliéster. También se determinó el efecto de sus mezclas, lavado sobre la residualidad y porcentaje de protección. Resultados: La mayor respuesta de repelencia espacial fue para el tratamiento linalol-algodón al 0.1% (RE= 70 ± 5.77%). La mezcla de linalol 0.1% y transflutrina 0.001% presentó un porcentaje de repelencia espacial similar para los tres tipos de tela. El tratamiento transflutrina-popelina 0.001% mantuvo una residualidad de cinco días. El linalol al 0.1% produjo 62.50% de protección en presencia de un estímulo de atracción. Conclusión: Se sugiere la impregnación de linalol al 0.1% en ropa como medida de protección de las picaduras de Ae. aegypti.

Abstract: Objective: Evaluate the effect of spatial repellency against Ae. aegypti of two chemical compounds impregnated in different types of fabrics. Materials and methods: The study was carried out in the year 2015-2016 in the Centro Regional de Investigación en Salud Pública, del Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública. The high-throughput screening system was used to evaluate the response of Ae. aegypti to transfluthrin and linalool, impregnated individually at different concentrations in poplin, cotton and polyester. The effect of their mixtures was also determined, washing on residuality and percentage of protection. Results: The highest spatial repellency response was for 0.1% linalool-cotton treatment (RE = 70 ± 5.77%). The mixture of 0.1% linalool and 0.001% transfluthrin presented a similar spatial repellence percentage for the three types of fabric. The transfluthrin-poplin treatment 0.001% maintained a residual of five days. 0.1% linalool produced a 62.50% protection in the presence of an attraction stimulus. Conclusion: It is suggested the impregnation of 0.1% linalool in clothing as a protection measure for Ae. aegypti.

Nebulización térmica intradomiciliar de la mezcla de flupyradifurona y transflutrina en mosquitos Aedes aegypti susceptibles y resistentes a piretroides en el Sur de México / Indoor thermal fogging of the mixture of flupyradifurone and transflutrin on Aedes aegypti mosquitoes susceptible and resistant to pyrethroids in southern Mexico

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de la mezcla de flupyradifurona 26.3 g/L y transflutrina 52.5 g/L aplicada como niebla térmica a mosquitos Aedes vectores de virus dengue, Zika y chikungunya. Material y métodos: Se colocaron grupos de 15 mosquitos de Ae. aegypti (susceptibles y resistentes a piretroides) dentro de jaulas, en sala, recámara y cocina. Posteriormente, se aplicó la mezcla de flupyradifurona y transflutrina dentro de las viviendas a una dosis de 2 y 4 mg/m3, respectivamente. Resultados: La mezcla de flupyradifurona y transflutrina causó mortalidades de 97 a 100% sobre las cepas de mosquitos Aedes y su efectividad fue la misma en los diferentes compartimentos de las viviendas. Conclusiones: La mezcla de flupyradifurona y transflutrina, aplicada en niebla térmica, es una herramienta prometedora para el control de poblaciones de mosquitos Aedes independientemente de su estado de resistencia a insecticidas.

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of thermal fogging of a mixture of flupyrafirudone (26.3 g/L) and transfluthrin (52.5 g/L) against dengue, Zika y chikungunya Aedes mosquito vectors. Materials and methods: Groups of 15 caged Ae. aegypti (susceptible and pyrethroid resistant) mosquitoes were placed in living room, kitchen and bedroom inside houses, after which a dose of 2 and 4 mg/m3 of flupyradifurone and transfluthrine, respectively, was applied as thermal fog. After one hour of exposure mosquitoes were transferred to the laboratory and mortality was recorded after 24 h. Results: The mixture killed 97 to 100% of mosquitoes from the strains and the efficacy was similar independently of their place within the premises. Conclusions: The mixture of flupyrafirudone and transfluthrin applied as thermal fog is a promising tool to control Aedes mosquito populations independently of the pyrethroid-insecticide resistance status.

Diagnosis of elephantiasis nostras verrucosa as a clinical mani-festation of Kaposi's sarcoma / Diagnóstico de elefantiasis nostras verrucosa como mani-festación clínica del Sarcoma de Kaposi

Elephantiasis nostras verrucosa, a rare manifestation of Kaposi's sarcoma, is a progressive cutaneous hypertrophy caused by chronic non-filarial lymphedema secondary to obstruction of the lymphatic system that can lead to severe disfigurement of parts of the body that have gravity-dependent blood flow, due to edema, fibrosis, and hyperkeratosis, especially lower extremities. Among the various conditions that can induce chronic lymphedema are tumors, trauma, radiotherapy, obesity, hypothyroidism, chronic venous stasis, and AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Kaposi's sarcoma is a vascular tumor associated with the presence of human gammaherpesvirus 8 that is predominantly cutaneous, locally aggressive, with metastasis, and is associated with the production of factors that favor inflammation, lymphatic obstruction, and lymphedema.

The examination of the nephroprotective effect of montelukast sodium and N-acetylcysteine in renal ischemia with dimercaptosuccinic acid imaging in a placebo-controlled rat model

Abstract Purpose To determine the nephroprotective effect of NAC and Montelukast Sodium administration against the development of renal damage associated with long warm renal ischemia. Methods Twenty-seven rats were randomly divided into 3 study groups, which received NAC, montelukast and placebo, and 3 rats were included in the sham-treated control group. Medications were given 3 days before the procedure. DMSA renal scintigraphy was performed before and after surgery. The right renal pedicle was occluded for 45 min to induce ischemia and then subjected to reperfusion for 6 h (I/R groups). Results On pathological examination, the mean pathological scores of the montelukast and NAC groups were significantly lower than those of the placebo group. (p <0.05). In biochemical examination, significant differences were found in all parameter levels between the placebo group and the montelukast and NAC groups. (p <0.05) When postoperative DMSA renal scintigraphy measurements and renal function levels were compared, significant differences were found between the montelukast and NAC groups and the placebo and sham groups. Conclusion The administration of NAC and montelukast sodium was seen to have a nephroprotective effect against the development of renal damage associated with warm renal ischemia.

Alta prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en personas infectadas con HIV atendidas en un centro ambulatorio de la ciudad de Buenos Aires / High prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in HIV-infected persons attending an outpatient clinic, Buenos Aires city

La hipovitaminosis D es frecuente en el mundo. Según estudios realizados entre 1987 y 2015, en Argentina la prevalencia fue > 40%. En personas con infección por HIV variaría entre 20 y 90%, pero en nuestro medio no se conoce con precisión. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D en una cohorte de adultos con infección por HIV asistidos en forma ambulatoria en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Se analizaron retrospectivamente las historias clínicas de 814 sujetos mayores de 18 años HIV positivos con al menos una determinación de vitamina D. La mediana de edad fue 44 años (rango intercuartílico 21-80), 746 (91.6%) eran hombres y 813 (99.9%) recibían tratamiento antirretroviral. Se realizó análisis uni y multivariado para determinar asociación entre hipovitaminosis D y valores de CD4, carga viral para HIV y terapia antirretroviral. La prevalencia de hipovitaminosis D fue 79.7% (insuficiencia 34.2%, deficiencia 45.5%). No se encontró asociación con el uso de efavirenz o inhibidores de la proteasa (p = 0.86 en ambos casos), con el recuento de linfocitos CD4, ni con la carga viral plasmática (p = 0.81 y 0.74, respectivamente). El presente estudio muestra que, en nuestro medio, la hipovitaminosis D es muy frecuente en personas con infección por HIV. Aun cuando no revela evidencia de relación con carga viral para HIV, estado inmune, ni tratamiento antirretroviral, es necesaria la búsqueda sistemática de hipovitaminosis D en esta población, en vista de la alta frecuencia de osteopenia y osteoporosis y el mayor riesgo de fracturas descripto en personas HIV positivas.

Hypovitaminosis D is frequent worldwide. In Argentina, according to studies conducted between 1987 and 2015, prevalence was > 40% in the general population. In people living with HIV it may vary between 20 and 90%, but the prevalence in our environment is not known. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in a cohort of adults with HIV infection in the city of Buenos Aires. We analyzed retrospectively medical records of 814 HIV positive subjects older than 18 years with at least one determination of vitamin D. The median age was 44 years (interquartile range 21-80), 746 (91.6%) were men, and 813 (99.9%) were on antiretroviral treatment. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association of hypovitaminosis D with CD4 values, viral load for HIV, and antiretroviral therapy. The present study shows that, in our environment, hypovitaminosis D is very common in people with HIV infection. Although it does not reveal evidence of a relationship with viral load for HIV, immune status, or antiretroviral treatment, the systematic search for hypovitaminosis D is mandatory in this population, taking into account its high frequency and the increased risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis and fractures, as described in people with HIV.

Efectividad y seguridad del esquema genérico lamivudina/tenofovir y efavirenz en pacientes con VIH/SIDA naïve: estudio fase IV no aleatorizado, Cali-Colombia 2012-2014 / Effectiveness and safety of generic version of lamivudine/tenofovir and efavirenz in treatment naïve HIV-infected patients: a nonrandomized, open-label, phase IV study in Cali-Colombia, 2012-2014

Resumen Antecedentes: Los estudios clínicos orientados a evaluar la calidad de medicamentos genéricos pueden ser útiles para fortalecer políticas de acceso a terapia anti-retroviral combinada (TARc). Objetivo: Describir la efectividad y seguridad del esquema genérico lamivudina/tenofovir/efavirenz (3TC/TDF/EFV) en pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA naïve, pertenecientes a un programa de atención integral. Materiales/Métodos: Estudio clínico prospectivo fase IV abierto y sin grupo control. Entre 2012-2014, se incluyeron y siguieron 40 pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA naïve y con indicación para iniciar tratamiento. Los pacientes fueron tratados con el esquema genérico 3TC/TDF/EFV y fueron seguidos durante 12 meses. El seguimiento incluyó valoración clínica, parámetros inmunovirológicos y de laboratorio, al inicio del tratamiento y a los 3, 6 y 12 meses. Resultados: De los 40 pacientes, 30 (75%) cumplieron los doce meses de tratamiento; de ellos, 80% alcanzó CV indetectable (< 40 copias/mL) y 83,3% CV < 50 copias/mL. Adicionalmente, en el grupo hubo un incremento en la mediana de 173 linfocitos TCD4/mm3. Por su parte, los resultados del hemograma completo, creatininemia y transaminasas hepáticas se conservaron en rangos normales y no generaron cambios del TARc. Los efectos adversos reconocidos para estos medicamentos se presentaron en menos de 10% de los pacientes y no tuvieron implicaciones graves. Conclusiones: En este grupo pequeño de pacientes, el esquema genérico 3TC/TDF/EFV es efectivo y seguro en el tratamiento de pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA naïve, y su perfil de efectividad y seguridad es similar al del esquema 3TC/TDF/EFV innovador en pacientes con condiciones clínicas similares.

Background: Clinical studies aimed to evaluating the quality of generic drugs may be useful to strengthen policies of access to combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Aim: To describe the effectiveness and safety of the generic schema lamivudine/tenofovir/efavirenz (3TC/TDF/EFV) in patients with HIV/AIDS naive, belonging to a comprehensive care program. Methods: A nonrandomized, open-label, phase IV study, during 2012 to 2014 naive HIV-infected patients 18 years or older with indication to receive cART were recruited. Patients were treated with generic scheme 3TC/TDF/EFV and were followed-up during 12 months. Clinical, immunological and laboratory parameters were assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months of treatment. Results: Of the 40 patients, 30 (75%) met the 12 months of treatment; of them, 80% achieved undetectable viral load (< 40 copies/mL) and 83.3% viral load < 50 copies/mL. Additionally, there was a significant increase (173 cells/mm3) in the median for CD4 T lymphocyte count. Moreover, the results of the whole blood count, creatinine and transaminases were preserved in normal ranges and did not generate changes in the cART. Potential side effects of antiretroviral drugs occurred in less than 10% of patients and had no serious implications. Conclusions: In this small group of patients, the generic scheme 3TC/TDF/EFV is effective and safe in the treatment of patients with HIV/AIDS naïve, and its effectiveness and safety profile is similar to show by innovator scheme 3TC/TDF/EFV in patients with similar clinical conditions. Registro Estudio: Registro Público Cubano de Ensayos Clínicos (RPCEC) ID: RPCEC00000134. Registered 20 July 2012.

Diphencyprone as a therapeutic option in cutaneous metastasis of melanoma. A single-institution experience

Abstract: Diphencyprone has been reported as a local immunotherapy for cutaneous melanoma metastases. We aim to report cases of melanoma patients treated with diphencyprone in a single Brazilian institution and highlight their outcomes. Since 2012, we have treated 16 melanoma patients with cutaneous metastases with topical diphencyprone. To date, we have had 37.5% of complete response, 25% of partial responses, and 31.25% patients without any response. Treatment was well tolerated and local toxicity was easily controlled. We believe topical diphencyprone is a feasible treatment that can be another option for treating melanoma patients, especially in cases of in-transit or extensive disease.

Chemokine Receptor CXCR3 in the Spinal Cord Contributes to Chronic Itch in Mice / 神经科学通报·英文版

Recent studies have shown that the chemokine receptor CXCR3 and its ligand CXCL10 in the dorsal root ganglion mediate itch in experimental allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). CXCR3 in the spinal cord also contributes to the maintenance of neuropathic pain. However, whether spinal CXCR3 is involved in acute or chronic itch remains unclear. Here, we report that Cxcr3 mice showed normal scratching in acute itch models but reduced scratching in chronic itch models of dry skin and ACD. In contrast, both formalin-induced acute pain and complete Freund's adjuvant-induced chronic inflammatory pain were reduced in Cxcr3 mice. In addition, the expression of CXCR3 and CXCL10 was increased in the spinal cord in the dry skin model induced by acetone and diethyl ether followed by water (AEW). Intrathecal injection of a CXCR3 antagonist alleviated AEW-induced itch. Furthermore, touch-elicited itch (alloknesis) after compound 48/80 or AEW treatment was suppressed in Cxcr3 mice. Finally, AEW-induced astrocyte activation was inhibited in Cxcr3 mice. Taken together, these data suggest that spinal CXCR3 mediates chronic itch and alloknesis, and targeting CXCR3 may provide effective treatment for chronic pruritus.

Randomized controlled trials of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor in treating major depressive disorder in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis of efficacy and acceptability

New generation antidepressant therapies, including serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs), were introduced in the late 1980s; however, few comprehensive studies have compared the benefits and risks of various contemporary treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) in young patients. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases was conducted from 1970 to January 2015. Only clinical trials that randomly assigned one SNRI or placebo to patients aged 7 to 18 years who met the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder were included. Treatment success, dropout rate, and suicidal ideation/attempt outcomes were measured. Primary efficacy was determined by pooling the risk ratios (RRs) of treatment response and remission. Acceptability was determined by pooling the RRs of dropouts for all reasons and for adverse effects as well as suicide-risk outcomes. Five trials with a total of 973 patients were included. SNRIs were not significantly more effective than placebo for treatment response but were for remission. The comparison of patients taking SNRIs that dropped out for all reasons and those taking placebo did not reach statistical significance. Significantly more patients taking SNRIs dropped out for adverse effects than those taking placebo. No significant difference was found in suicide-related risk outcomes. SNRI therapy does not display a superior efficacy and is not better tolerated compared to placebo in these young patients. However, duloxetine has a potential beneficial effect for depression in young populations, showing a need for further research.

Efficacy and Safety of Roflumilast in Korean Patients with COPD

PURPOSE: Roflumilast is the only oral phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor approved to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients [post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) <50% predicted] with chronic bronchitis and a history of frequent exacerbations. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of roflumilast in Korean patients with COPD and compared the efficacy based on the severity of airflow limitation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A post-hoc subgroup analysis was performed in Korean COPD patients participating in JADE, a 12-week, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase III trial in Asia. The primary efficacy endpoint was the mean [least-squares mean adjusted for covariates (LSMean)] change in post-bronchodilator FEV1 from baseline to each post-randomization visit. Safety endpoints included adverse events (AEs) and changes in laboratory values, vital signs, and electrocardiograms. RESULTS: A total of 260 Korean COPD patients were recruited, of which 207 were randomized to roflumilast (n=102) or placebo (n=105) treatment. After 12 weeks, LSMean post-bronchodilator FEV1 increased by 43 mL for patients receiving roflumilast and decreased by 60 mL for those taking placebo. Adverse events were more common in the roflumilast group than in the placebo group; however, the types and frequency of AEs were comparable to those reported in previous studies. CONCLUSION: Roflumilast significantly improved lung function with a tolerable safety profile in Korean COPD patients irrespective of the severity of airflow limitation.

Progress in PDE4 targeted therapy for inflammatory diseases / 浙江大学学报·医学版

cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4) is one of the hot targets for treatment of inflammatory diseases. PDE4 inhibitors can suppress inflammation by increasing the concentration of cAMP in inflammatory cells. The efficacy and safety evaluations of several PDE4 inhibitors are currently carried on in clinical trials, for example GSK256066 in asthma, roflumilast and GSK256066 in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, tetomilast in inflammatory bowel disease, and apremilast in dermatitis and arthritis etc. This article reviews the recent progress on PDE4-targeted therapy for inflammatory diseases.

Activation of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors blocks zinc release from hippocampal mossy fibers

BACKGROUND: The hippocampal CA3 area contains large amounts of vesicular zinc in the mossy fiber terminals which is released during synaptic activity, depending on presynaptic calcium. Another characteristic of these synapses is the presynaptic localization of high concentrations of group II metabotropic glutamate receptors, specifically activated by DCG-IV. Previous work has shown that DCG-IV affects only mossy fiber-evoked responses but not the signals from associational-commissural afferents, blocking mossy fiber synaptic transmission. Since zinc is released from mossy fibers even for single stimuli and it is generally assumed to be co-released with glutamate, the aim of the work was to investigate the effect of DCG-IV on mossy fiber zinc signals. RESULTS: Studies were performed using the membrane-permeant fluorescent zinc probe TSQ, and indicate that DCG-IV almost completely abolishes mossy fiber zinc changes as it does with synaptic transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Zinc signaling is regulated by the activation of type II metabotropic receptors, as it has been previously shown for glutamate, further supporting the corelease of glutamate and zinc from mossy fibers.