Common sugar could be key element for treatment of respiratory diseases: study
| Apr 2, 2019, 11:20 IST
A new study led by the University of Manchester biologists claims that restriction or inhalation of common sugar could treat a range of respiratory diseases.
The study conducted on mice revealed their cell’s ability to use glucose to help regulate the immune system during lung inflammation. The research suggested that blocking sugar receptors in the lungs also reduced inflammation in chronic conditions like asthma, allergies and parasitic worm infections.
But the immune system’s response against some infections could also be enhanced because of the inhalation of sugar solutions. The international study by scientists from The University of Manchester, AstraZeneca, The University of Southampton and the National Institute of Health in the United States is published in Nature Immunology today.
Professor Andrew MacDonald, the lead researcher from the University of Manchester said, "Respiratory illnesses cause terrible suffering in both the developing and developed world.
"Hundreds of people are admitted to hospital every day in the UK with asthma attacks, while potentially deadly parasitic infections in the lungs are endemic across much of Africa and Asia.
White blood cells called macrophages have an important role in our body. The study looked observed them meticulously. These white blood cells act as the vacuum cleaners of the immune system -- detecting and removing pathogenic organisms and debris.
But the team discovered that macrophages in the lungs need the correct levels of an energy source -- glucose- for them to be able to function properly.
Typically found during inflammation caused by asthma or parasitic worm infection, interleukin 4 a special protein was used to test the relationship between macrophages and glucose in mice.
Unexpectedly, macrophages in the lungs of mice treated with interleukin 4 did not respond normally.
Professor MacDonald added: "During inflammation of the type seen in asthma and parasitic worm infection it appears that glucose, and use of glucose, controls macrophage activation in the lungs.
"Clearly we now need to study the impact of glucose on human lung macrophages.
He added that since lungs have glucose receptors, this discovery to lead to future drug development. However, they need to be careful about the treatment not being aggressive.
We for one can’t wait for a drug that is easy to consume and effective. Stay tuned for more updates.
The study conducted on mice revealed their cell’s ability to use glucose to help regulate the immune system during lung inflammation. The research suggested that blocking sugar receptors in the lungs also reduced inflammation in chronic conditions like asthma, allergies and parasitic worm infections.
But the immune system’s response against some infections could also be enhanced because of the inhalation of sugar solutions. The international study by scientists from The University of Manchester, AstraZeneca, The University of Southampton and the National Institute of Health in the United States is published in Nature Immunology today.
Professor Andrew MacDonald, the lead researcher from the University of Manchester said, "Respiratory illnesses cause terrible suffering in both the developing and developed world.
"Hundreds of people are admitted to hospital every day in the UK with asthma attacks, while potentially deadly parasitic infections in the lungs are endemic across much of Africa and Asia.
White blood cells called macrophages have an important role in our body. The study looked observed them meticulously. These white blood cells act as the vacuum cleaners of the immune system -- detecting and removing pathogenic organisms and debris.
But the team discovered that macrophages in the lungs need the correct levels of an energy source -- glucose- for them to be able to function properly.
Typically found during inflammation caused by asthma or parasitic worm infection, interleukin 4 a special protein was used to test the relationship between macrophages and glucose in mice.
Unexpectedly, macrophages in the lungs of mice treated with interleukin 4 did not respond normally.
Professor MacDonald added: "During inflammation of the type seen in asthma and parasitic worm infection it appears that glucose, and use of glucose, controls macrophage activation in the lungs.
"Clearly we now need to study the impact of glucose on human lung macrophages.
He added that since lungs have glucose receptors, this discovery to lead to future drug development. However, they need to be careful about the treatment not being aggressive.
We for one can’t wait for a drug that is easy to consume and effective. Stay tuned for more updates.