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New potential to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

02/02/2010

European researchers demonstrate that an antioxidant protein called sestrin, triggers molecular pathways that may cause some of the critical lung changes associated with COPD.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a condition, usually caused by smoking, which makes it very difficult to breathe air out of the lungs. The airways become swollen and narrow (chronic bronchitis) and the lungs lose their structure (emphysema).

Patients suffer from coughing fits, wheezing, and increased incidence of lung infections. The lung becomes inflamed and increases its mucus production, which further inhibits gas exchange, and prevents the patient's ability to be physically active.

Although COPD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, there is currently no cure for the disease. Providing patients with concentrated oxygen therapy and instruction on breathing techniques increases survival rates.

In a recent study, European researchers have discovered that inactivating the sestrin protein enabled them to improve lung structure in mice. The researchers believe that inhibiting the action of sestrin may slow the breakdown of lung structure in COPD patients.

This suggests that patients with COPD could benefit from treatment with drugs that block sestrin function.

For the full story please go to: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/01/100127085538.htm