Arzneimittelforschung 2011; 61(7): 421-424
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1296221
Antiallergic Drugs · Antiasthmatics · Antitussives · Bronchodilators · Bronchosecretogogues · Mucolytics
Editio Cantor Verlag Aulendorf (Germany)

Usefulness of suplatast tosilate, a Th2 cytokine inhibitor based on the Thl/Th2 ratio for allergic disease in children: a retrospective study

Shigemi Yoshihara
1   Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
,
Hironobu Fukuda
1   Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
,
Osamu Arisaka
1   Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 November 2011 (online)

Abstract

Background:

Children with an atopic predisposition are presumed to have persistent Th2 dominance and thus develop allergic diseases.

Methods:

A total of 45 children who fell to atopic dermatitis and/or intermittent asthma or mild persistent asthma between 2002 and 2007 were enrolled and retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-four children were administered oral treatment with the immunopharmacological drug suplatast tosilate (CAS 94055-76-2) at a dose of 3 mg/kg twice daily. Twentyone of the control group were not administered oral suplatast tosilate but treated with other drugs. Blood was collected before and after administering suplatast tosilate or other drugs, and Th1 cells, Th2 cells, the Th1/Th2 ratio, the total IgE levels, and the eosinophil count were measured.

Results:

In the suplatast tosilate group, Th1 cells increased to 7.9 (1.2–19.8)% from 5.5 (1.1–13.5)% (Wilcoxon P < 0.05), while the Th2 cells showed a decrease from 1.3 (0.5–6.5)% to 1.6 (0.4 – 2.9)%, but the differences were not significant. The Th1/Th2 ratio increased significantly from 4.1 (0.9–7.4) to 5.6 (1.3– 15.5) (shifting to Th1 dominance) in the suplatast tosilate group (Wilcoxon P < 0.05), while it shifted to Th2 dominance in the control group (increased from 4.5 (2.2–12.2) to 5.7 (1.6–11.8)) but did not show significant difference.

Conclusions:

The Th1/Th2 ratio increased significantly after administration of suplatast tosilate, shifting to Th1 dominance. Therefore suplatast tosilate improves Th2 dominance and may inhibit subsequent progression of allergy over the long term.

 
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