According to a story from news-medical.net, a recent study has revealed that an ingredient commonly found in toothpaste could help patients with cystic fibrosis. The study was conducted by researchers from Michigan State University, and found that the substance triclosan could be of significant benefit when used in combination with an antibiotic called tobramycin.
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder that can have wide ranging effects in the body. However, it is most characterized by its effect on the lungs. People with cystic fibrosis produce an unusual amount of sticky, thick mucus that builds in the lungs and makes them more vulnerable to bacterial infections. As a result, many people with the disorder must take antibiotics for much of their lives. This progressive disorder causes lung function to steadily worsen over time. Other symptoms include poor growth, clubbing of the digits, fatty stool, male infertility, and sinus infections. Cystic fibrosis is usually noticeable early in life, at around six months old. This is no cure for the disorder. Some medications can help slow progression, and certain procedures can help with clearing the lungs. Lung transplant may be necessary in severe cases. Life expectancy is between 42 and 50 years old with treatment. To learn more about cystic fibrosis, click here.
Part of the reason that it is difficult for cystic fibrosis patients to fight infection is because the bacteria that begins to grow in the mucus is protected by a barrier of biofilm, which greatly decreases the effectiveness of most antibiotics. A challenge for researchers has been to find a way to break down the layer of biofilm in order for the bacteria on the other side to become vulnerable again.
As it turns out, another common place for biofilm is on your teeth. Bacteria and their waste eventually form a biofilm on teeth and gums without regular flossing and brushing, leading to problems such as gum disease. This was probably what lead researchers to investigate toothpaste ingredients as a possible solution.
Triclosan is a widely used substance in soaps and toothpaste because of its known antibacterial properties; however, it cannot kill bacteria on its own. Instead, it denies them suitable habitat by getting rid of biofilm. In the study, it was combined with the antibiotic tobramycin. When combined with triclosan, the antibiotic was far more effective, eliminating almost 99.9 percent of Pseudomonas bacteria.
Tobramycin is often used heavily with the disorder, but it can have harmful side effects such as hearing loss and kidney damage. This combination could allow doctors to use the drug much less frequently but with greater effectiveness, improving quality of life for patients.
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