Effects of Montelukast on Airway Regulatory T Cells in Asthma

Effects of Montelukast on Airway Foxp3+ and CTLA4+CD25highCD4+ T Cells in Asthmatics

Montelukast is one of anti-inflammatory agents and a good controller for the patients with asthma. The hypothesis of the study is that the Montelukast will have airway anti-inflammatory effects and up-regulated regulatory T cells functions in asthma.

Inclusion Criteria:

• asthma
• mild status
• stable status
• nonsmoker
• Positive of airway hyperresponsiveness (Methacholine-PC20<16mg/mL)

Exclusion Criteria:

• taken other asthmatic medications such as oral, injective, and inhaled steroids, leukotriene antagonists, oral, inhaled, and transdermal beta-agonists, theophylline, anti-histamine agents, anti-IgE antibodies and long acting muscarinic receptor antagonists.
• respiratory tract infections within 4wks
• moderate to severe other organ disorders
• active malignancies
• past histories of side effects of leukotriene antagonists
• psychological disorders
• pregnancy or nursing