Researchers found that inhaling unfragmented hyaluronan improves lung function in patients suffering from severe exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Hyaluronan, a sugar secreted by living tissue that acts as a scaffold for cells, is also used in cosmetics as a skin moisturizer and as a nasal spray to moisturize lung airways. Utilized as a treatment, hyaluronan decreased the number of days in the hospital. Source
Scientists reverse deadly impacts of asthma in mice
Excess mucus in the lungs can be fatal for asthma patients, but scientists have broken up those secretions at the molecular level and reversed their often deadly impacts. Source
Drug discovery study identifies promising new compound to open constricted airways
In a preclinical study, researchers identified and characterized 18 new compounds (agonists) that activate bitter taste receptor subtype TAS2R5 to promote relaxation of human airway smooth muscle cells. The cross-disciplinary team found 1,10 phenanthroline-5,6-dione (T5-8 for short) was 1,000 times more potent than some of the other bronchodilator agonists tested, and it demonstrated marked effectiveness in human airway smooth muscle cells grown in the laboratory. Source
New research may explain severe virus attacks on the lungs
In some cases, immune cells in the lungs can contribute to worsening a virus attack. In a new study, researchers describe how different kinds of immune cells, called macrophages, develop in the lungs and which of them may be behind severe lung diseases. The study may contribute to future treatments for COVID-19, among other diseases. Source
Healthy muscles are a carrot on a string for healthy lungs
Scientists show effectiveness of carrot-based Japanese herbal medicine called ‘Ninjin’yoeito’ in improving muscle atrophy in the hind legs of mice exposed to cigarette smoke, positioning the medicine as a potential treatment for sarcopenia frailty-related complications with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Source
Insulators in Alberta at higher risk of chest infections, COPD
Construction workers in Alberta, Canada who work with hazardous insulation materials are much more likely to be affected by repeated chest infections and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to new research. Source
Understanding lung infections in patients with cystic fibrosis
For young people with cystic fibrosis, lung infection with Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, is common and is treated with antibiotics in the hope that this will prevent a decline in lung function. However there has recently been debate over the role S. aureus plays in CF lung disease. Researchers have used a new model of CF lungs which could be used to make better decisions about future use of antibiotics. Source
Early-life events linked to lung health in young adulthood
Early-life events, such as the exposure to air pollutants, increases the risk of chronic lung disease in young adulthood, according to new results. The studies add to the growing evidence that chronic lung disease in adulthood can be traced back to childhood. Source
Face masks unlikely to cause over-exposure to carbon dioxide, even in patients with lung disease, study finds
New research findings contradict statements linking wearing face masks to carbon dioxide poisoning by trapping carbon dioxide. During the COVID-19 pandemic the wearing of face masks has become a highly political issue with some individuals falsely claiming that wearing face masks may be putting people’s health at risk. Source
Cannabinoids associated with negative respiratory health effects in older adults with COPD
Cannabinoids, a class of prescription pills that contain synthetically-made chemicals found in marijuana, are associated with a 64 per cent increase in death among older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to the first published data on the impact of cannabinoids on the respiratory health of individuals with the lung disease. Source