• Childhood Kidney Diseases
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.153-160
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• 2009

Purpose : The intestinal mucosal defect has been known as one of the pathogenicmechanisms of IgA nephropathy. Oral antigens usually induce the activation of Th2 cells and mast cells. These cells secrete cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and TGF-$\beta$, which increase IgA production. Although ketotifen (benzocycloheptathiophene) is an H1 antagonist and a mast cell membrane stabilizer, it could protect the gastrointestinal membrane through inhibiting the production of IL-4, IL-5, PGE2, and LTB4, and decreasing the activity of nitric oxide synthease. Therefore, we have investigated if ketotifen may protect the development of IgA nephropathy with an oral antigen. Methods : ICR mice were used as an animal model orally with Poliovax only [ketotifen (-)], the other group was given oral ketotifen [ketotifen (+)] in addition to Poliovax. Results : Mesangial IgA deposition developed in 11 out of the 18 mice in the ketotifen (-) group, while in three out of the nine mice in ketotifen (+) group. The mesangial change developed in 16 out of the 18 mice in the ketotifen (-) group, while in five out of the nine mice in the ketotifen (+) group. Serum IL-4 and IL-5 levels were not significantly lower in the latter group than in the former. Conclusion : According to the statistical results from the above, ketotifen therapy would be beneficial to reducing mesangial changes in IgA nephropathy.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.105-112
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• 1990

Ketotifen, a benzocycloheptathiophene, has an orally effective antiallergic as well as antihistaminic properties. In pervious studies, Ketotifen has shown encouraging results in patient with allergic rhinitis, either perennial or seasonal. 39 patients with allergic rhinitis had been treated with Ketotifen 1 mg twice daily for 8 weeks. And we obtained following results. 1) The efficacy rate in sneezing attack was 73.5%, in nasal discharge 71%, in nasal obstruction 58%. 2) Some improvements in at least one of three major symptoms were noted within 1 week in 30.7%, within 2 weeks in 55.8%, within 3 weeks in 66.7%, within 8 weeks in 87.2%. 3) Physical findings such as colour, swelling of turbinate, character of rhinorrhea were not improved significantly. 4) Side effect was observed only in one patient with abdominal pain and diarrhea, which was subsided after interruption of administration. These results suggested that Ketotifen was effective in treatment of allergic rhinitis.