Highlights:
- New class of drugs can reverse asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms
- Drugs activate free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4) in the lungs
- Activation of FFA4 leads to reduced inflammation and increased air flow in the lungs
Novel class of drugs capable of reversing the symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have been discovered by a group of scientists.
The research findings are published in Science Translational Medicine .
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World Asthma Day
World Asthma Day is observed on the first Tuesday of May annually across the world. This year 2020, the day is celebrated on 5th May. It aims to educate the general public and create awareness about asthma and to support persons with asthma and their families cope better with the condition.
World Asthma Day is observed on the first Tuesday of May annually across the world. This year 2020, the day is celebrated on 5th May. It aims to educate the general public and create awareness about asthma and to support persons with asthma and their families cope better with the condition.
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‘Activation of free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4) in the lungs can reverse symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). Potential for novel medicines for patients unresponsive for current treatments.’
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Mechanism of Action of the Drugs
The team led by University of Glasgow used drugs that work through a mechanism unique from other commonly prescribed medicines for asthma and COPD.
The researchers describe an alternate treatment for patients with severe forms of asthma and COPD.
Free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4), a protein in the gut and pancreas is known to respond to fats contained in our diet. FFA4 is generally activated by fats in the diet like fish oil omega 3. It is known to aid control the levels of blood glucose.
![Plant-based Diet can Ward Off Asthma]( "Plant-based Diet can Ward Off Asthma")
FFA4 was discovered in the human lungs by the team.
A new class of drugs that can activate FFA4 in the lungs were designed. Research Findings
The novel drugs resulted in the muscle that surrounds the airways relaxed to allow more air to enter the lung.
Activators of FFA4 also reduced inflammation in mice exposed to pollution, cigarette smoke and allergens that cause asthma.
The researchers concluded that activating FFA4 can reverse hallmarks of inflammatory lung disease.
In summary, around 5.4 million people in the UK are receiving asthma treatment: 1.1 million children and 4.3 million adults.
"By the identification of this new mechanism we offer the hope for new effective medicines for those patients who are not responsive to our current treatments," said Christopher Brightling, from the University of Leicester.
The researchers are very optimistic on extending their findings to develop a new drug treatment for asthma and COPD.
Source: Medindia
Free fatty acid receptor 4 (FFA4), a protein in the gut and pancreas is known to respond to fats contained in our diet. FFA4 is generally activated by fats in the diet like fish oil omega 3. It is known to aid control the levels of blood glucose.
Plant-based Diet can Ward Off Asthma
Want to get rid of asthma naturally? Eating a plant-based diet every day can help prevent and manage asthma symptoms. On the other hand, eating more dairy products and foods high in saturated fat can raise asthma risk.
Want to get rid of asthma naturally? Eating a plant-based diet every day can help prevent and manage asthma symptoms. On the other hand, eating more dairy products and foods high in saturated fat can raise asthma risk.
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FFA4 was discovered in the human lungs by the team.
A new class of drugs that can activate FFA4 in the lungs were designed. Research Findings
The novel drugs resulted in the muscle that surrounds the airways relaxed to allow more air to enter the lung.
Activators of FFA4 also reduced inflammation in mice exposed to pollution, cigarette smoke and allergens that cause asthma.
The researchers concluded that activating FFA4 can reverse hallmarks of inflammatory lung disease.
In summary, around 5.4 million people in the UK are receiving asthma treatment: 1.1 million children and 4.3 million adults.
"By the identification of this new mechanism we offer the hope for new effective medicines for those patients who are not responsive to our current treatments," said Christopher Brightling, from the University of Leicester.
The researchers are very optimistic on extending their findings to develop a new drug treatment for asthma and COPD.
Source: Medindia
Babies Frequently Exposed to Household Cleaning Products More Prone to Asthma, Wheeze
Can inhaling cleaning products affect your child's health? Yes, early exposure of babies to household cleaning products can increase the risk of developing asthma and wheezing by age 3 years, reveals a new study.
Can inhaling cleaning products affect your child's health? Yes, early exposure of babies to household cleaning products can increase the risk of developing asthma and wheezing by age 3 years, reveals a new study.
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 Fat Deposition in Lungs of Obese People May Up Asthma Risk Fat accumulation in the walls of the lungs occurs in obese individuals. This can change the structure of the airways, thereby increasing the risk of asthma. However, this could be prevented by maintaining a healthy body weight. | Advertisement
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