Devendra Kumar
Researchers at King’s College London have made a groundbreaking discovery that sheds new light on the causes of asthma, a disease that has long been shrouded in mystery. Led by Professor Jody Rosenblatt, the study reveals that the constriction of airways is not just a symptom of asthma, but rather the underlying cause of damage and inflammation that characterizes the disease. According to the study, the constriction of airways causes widespread destruction of the airway barrier, which is the lining of the airway that prevents infections.
This destruction of the airway barrier leaves the body vulnerable to long-term inflammation, wound healing, and infections that trigger more attacks. The researchers found that the constriction of airways also leads to excess mucus production and inflammation, creating a perpetual cycle of damage and inflammation. This cycle, in turn, damages the airway barrier and exacerbates the symptoms of asthma.
The study’s findings suggest that the prevention of asthma symptoms may lie in a process called cell extrusion, which is the process by which epithelial cells that line the airway get squeezed out and die. When the airways contract, these epithelial cells are squeezed out and later die, causing damage to the airway barrier and leading to inflammation and excess mucus.
The researchers discovered that a chemical compound called gadolinium can block cell extrusion and prevent the excess extrusion that causes damage and inflammation after an asthma attack. While this compound has not been tested in humans and has not been deemed to be safe or efficacious, the researchers are hopeful that their findings could lead to a new treatment that prevents asthma symptoms.
The study’s implications stretch beyond asthma, as the researchers believe that their findings could also have a significant impact on other inflammatory diseases that feature constriction, such as cramping of the gut and inflammatory bowel disease. The researchers are enthusiastic about the potential of their discovery to change the way asthma is treated and hope to move forward with further research to develop a new treatment.
Ultimately, the study’s findings could revolutionize the treatment of asthma, allowing doctors to develop a new treatment that not only reduces inflammation and opens up airways, but also prevents the damage and inflammation that occurs during an asthma attack, ultimately preventing the disease from occurring in the first place. As the researchers continue to build upon their discovery, they are optimistic that their work could ultimately lead to a new era in asthma treatment and prevention.