researchers at the University of Giessen may have found a new way to treat the chronic lung disease COPD. The Suffering is mainly caused by cigarette smoke and air pollution, and could be, according to the world health organization, by 2030, to become the third most common cause of death.
The scientist Norbert white man have shown that the lung damage caused by a molecule that is formed from the reaction of nitric oxide with oxygen free radicals. Now you have found out, where the oxygen-derived radicals: they are produced in the cells of a specific enzyme, called NADPH Oxidase. In patients with COPD for this protein is formed fabric is increased.
point of attack for drugs
In laboratory experiments with human tissue, the scientists were able to demonstrate that the occurrence of pulmonary high prevent pressure and the destruction of lung tissue, if one suppresses the formation of the NADPH Oxidase under. The enzyme could, therefore, in the view of the white man, a point of attack for new drugs against COPD.
The lung disease is so far incurable. Only the symptoms can be alleviated. Affected often suffer from shortness of breath, are physically limited to the supply of oxygen-dependent.
Link to the publication: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-020-0215-8
