A recent lab study led to an improved understanding of asthma and its mechanisms of action. The co-senior author of the study, Professor Chris Brightling and his colleagues at the UK’s Leicester University, simulated asthma attacks using lab mice with a chemical which sets off constriction in the muscle cells (epithelial cells) which line the lung airways.
Epithelial cells create a protective mucus which in turn lubricates the lungs. However, the scientists observed that the constrictions also cause the cells to be forced out of place, resulting in cell death and thus activating inflammation and the type of mucus secretion which results from asthma attacks.
Constriction and Human Tissue
Similar reactions took place when working with tissue samples taken from patients who had received corticosteroids (steroid hormones). These findings seemed to reinforce the premise that pressure (constriction) on the cells is an underlying factor.
Professor Brightling is of the opinion that having a better understanding of asthma will lead to new therapies not only for asthma but for similar disorders.
About Gadolinium
The researchers discovered through previous studies that gadolinium had stopped epithelial cells from being forced out of place. It is a clear fluid that is utilized to enhance MRI clarity, but it also prevents epithelial cells from getting pressed out of position.
Professor Brightling and his colleagues agree that additional research is needed in order to translate their findings into successful asthma (also called bronchial asthma) treatments.
Asthma is an ongoing (chronic) condition requiring medical management. Currently there are approximately 25 million asthmatics in the US, five million of which are children.
The authors added that the study may also lead to improved treatment for other conditions that are caused in part by muscle constriction. This would include such diseases as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a similar scenario where epithelial cells get subjected to disruptive forces.
