Aspirin-induced asthma: a tribute to John Vane as a source of inspiration

Aspirin-induced asthma is a distinct clinical syndrome consisting of inflammation, characterized by chronic eosinophilic rhinosi-nusitis with asthma and often nasal polyposis. Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) exacerbate asthma, resulting in violent attacks. This is the hallmark of the clinical syndrome as explained by the cyclooxygenase theory. This theory, which is now generally accepted, states that asthma attacks precipitated by aspirin and other NSAIDs have no allergic background; instead, they occur due to the inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 in sensitive patients. This paper describes how the discoveries of John Vane inspired the authors of the cyclooxygenase theory and led to further insight into the biology of eicosanoid metabolism in this relatively common type of asthma. Key words: aspirin, asthma, cyclooxygenase, prostanoids, leukotriene