Table 1 Included studies on the effect of tachykinin receptors antagonism on asthma

Shelfhout et al., 2009 [11]

• Single-center, RCT, double-blind, crossover

• 12 non-smoking subjects males

• 2 or 8 mg of MEN 48968 (dual NK-1/NK-2 receptor antagonist) single inhaled dose

• Airway responsiveness to NK antagonist

• Decreased airway responsiveness

Boot et al., 2007 [13]

• Single-center, RCT, double-blind, crossover

• 19 non-smoking subjects (15 females);mean age 30 yr

• 4.8 mg of AVE 5883 (dual NK-1/NK-2 receptor antagonist) single inhaled dose

• Airway responsiveness to NK antagonist

• Lung function

• Airway inflammation

• Decreased airway responsiveness

• Inhibition of bronchoconstriction

Schelfhout et al., 2006 [16]

• Multi- center, RCT, double-blind, crossover

• 15 subjects (7 females); mean age 30 yr

• 200 mg CS-003 (triple NK-1/NK-2/NK-3 receptor antagonist) single oral dose.

• Airway responsiveness to NK antagonist

• Lung function

• Decreased airway responsiveness

Joos et al., 2004 [15]

• Multi- center, RCT, double-blind, crossover

• 18 males; mean age 28 yr

• 100 mg DNK 333 (dual NK-1/NK-2 receptor antagonist) single orally dose.

• Airway responsiveness to NK antagonist

• Lung function

• Decreased airway responsiveness

Kraan et al., 2001 [10]

• Single-center, RCT, double-blind, crossover

• 12 atopic non-smoking males; mean age 30 yr

• 100 mg (4 × 25 mg) SR 48968C (NK-2 receptor antagonist) orally once-daily during 9 days.

• Airway responsiveness to NK antagonist

• Lung function

• No effect

Schoor et al.,1998 [12]

• Single-center, RCT, double-blind, crossover

• 12 non-smoking males; mean age 29 yr.

• 100 mg SR 48968 (NK-2 receptor antagonist) orally single dose

• Airway responsiveness to NK antagonist

• Decreased airway responsiveness

Joos et al., 1996 [14]

• Single-center, RCT, double-blind, crossover

• 10 atopic non-smoking subjects (2 females); mean age 27 yr

• 4 mg FK224 (dual NK-1/NK-2 receptor antagonist) inhaled once-daily for 2 days.

• Airway responsiveness to NK antagonist

• Lung function

• No effect

Summary

• 98 young adults (24 females, 74 males)

• Seven different antagonists acting on NK-1R, NK-2, NK-3 in mono, dual or triple combinations.

• Airway responsiveness to NK antagonist, lung function and airway inflammation.

• Five studies showed positive effects on airway responsiveness and/or lung function and two studies failed to demonstrate effects on asthma outcomes.