 |
|
The smoking gun: Elastin fragments drive emphysema
February 10, 2006Pulmonary emphysema is caused primarily by cigarette smoking, and the underlying cellular mechanisms are thought to involve smoke-induced activation of tissue degrading enzymes known as proteases. Elastases are proteases that specifically degrade the structural protein elastin and include enzymes such as MMP-12 (matrix metalloproteinase -12, also called macrophage metalloelastase), which is secreted by inflammatory cells called macrophages.
Now, researcher A. McGarry Houghton and colleagues at Harvard Medical School in Massachusetts, report that elastases cause emphysema in mice through the generation of pro-inflammatory elastin fragments.
The study appears online on February 9 in advance of print publication in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The authors found that mice that had inhaled pancreatic elastase or who were exposed to cigarette smoke developed elastin fragments in their lungs, macrophage accumulation, and emphysema. However, when the researchers blocked the activity of elastin fragments using a specific anti-elastin antibody, the macrophage numbers were reduced, and the emphysema was prevented in both models. Using cultured human monocytes (macrophage precursor cells), the authors demonstrate that elastin fragments are chemotactic, meaning that they are able to attract inflammatory cells.
The studies suggest that the degradation products of protease activity, in addition to the proteases themselves, may be promising targets for emphysema therapy.
Journal of Clinical Investigation
The studies suggest that the degradation products of protease activity, in addition to the proteases themselves, may be promising targets for emphysema therapy.
Journal of Clinical Investigation
Emphysema Current Events and Emphysema News RSSU.S. and European Experts Applaud Creation of New Transatlantic Task Force on Global Antibiotic Resistance Threat
Experts on both sides of the Atlantic applaud President Barack Obama and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, representing the European Union (EU) Presidency, for establishing a transatlantic task force to address antibiotic resistance, an urgent and growing problem that threatens patient safety and public health worldwide.
Stereotactic radiotherapy offers noninvasive, effective treatment for frail patients with early-stage lung cancer
Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) should be considered a new standard of care for early-stage lung cancer treatment in patients with co-existing medical problems, according to results from a national clinical trial led by UT Southwestern Medical Center physicians.
Survey: Awareness of COPD is rising, but understanding is still low
Awareness of COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-continues to grow in the United States, according to national survey results released today by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) of the National Institutes of Health.
UT scientists discover link between protein and lung disease
In a development that could lead to a novel approach to the treatment of a devastating lung disease, biochemists at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston report they are the first to link the osteopontin (OPN) protein to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
New genes at work in patients with hereditary lung disease
University of Florida researchers have safely given new, functional genes to patients with a hereditary defect that can lead to fatal lung and liver diseases, according to clinical trial findings slated to appear this week in the online early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
New genes at work in patients with hereditary lung disease
Researchers at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and the University of Florida in Gainesville have safely given new, functional genes to patients with a hereditary defect that can lead to fatal lung and liver diseases.
Scientists open doors to diagnosis of emphysema
Chronic inflammatory lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema are a major global health problem, and the fourth leading cause of death and disability in developed countries, with smoking accounting for 90% of the risk for developing them.
Emphysema severity directly linked to coal dust exposure
Coal dust exposure is directly linked to severity of emphysema in smokers and nonsmokers alike, according to new research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Lung volume reduction surgery shown to prolong and improve life for some emphysema patients
Lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS) can have a significantly beneficial effect in patients with severe emphysema, according to the first ever study to randomize emphysema patients to receive either LVRS or non-surgical medical care.
Protein may be strongest indicator of rare lung disease, study shows
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati (UC) have discovered a protein in the lungs that can help in determining progression of the rare lung disease Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF).
More Emphysema Current Events and Emphysema News Articles
 |
Natural Therapies for Emphysema and COPD: Relief and Healing for Chronic Pulmonary Disorders by Robert J. Green Jr. (Author) The first book to address emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from a nutritional and alternative medicine approach • Explains the benefits of detoxification, dietary changes, and food combining • Details 45 suggested herbs and 26 nutritional supplements as well as information on how to stop smoking Approximately 35 million people in the United States have been diagnosed with some form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)--emphysema constituting 18 million of that group. Worldwide, as many as 293 million people suffer with these conditions. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in America, claiming nearly 120,000 lives annually. Yet conventional approaches to treatment, with their regimens of drugs and unceasing... |
 |
The Chronic Bronchitis and Emphysema Handbook by François Haas (Author), Sheila Sperber Haas (Author) "Dr. François Haas is an unusually gifted scientist and a compassionate human being."–HOWARD A. RUSK, M.D. Founder and Chairman, Rusk Institute The bestselling guide for chronic bronchitis and emphysema sufferers–newly revised and expanded. For the millions of people diagnosed with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema, this bestselling guide is now revised and expanded to offer the most up-to-date information available. From helping you understand your disease and its proper care to showing you how to restore vitality and satisfaction to your relationships, Dr. François Haas and Dr. Sheila Sperber Haas provide you with the facts and information needed to find the right treatment and take full advantage of it. Written in a clear and helpful style, The Chronic Bronchitis and... |
 |
Surgical Treatment of Emphysema Directed By: Karen Sutton Also With: Karen Sutton (Producer) Medical treatments of emphysema provide a modest degree of palliation, but there is no medical therapy that dramatically improves emphysema patients' shortness of breath or improves their survival. Dr. Shrager will talk about newer surgical treatments for emphysema such as lung volume reduction surgery that dramatically improve symptoms and in many cases increase longevity as well. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Facelake Fingertip Finger Pulse Oximeter and Heart Rate Monitor. Used for Copd, Emphysema, Aviation, Sports Training, High Altitude Sports, free carry case by Facelake This Pulse Oximeter is a compact, light weighted device, designed for on the go spot checking of vital signs (blood O2 saturation & pulse rate), in a simple non-invasive procedure. By simply clipping the device to the finger, users can receive a SpO2 and pulse reading, within seconds. The Pulse Oximeter answers a wide range of needs and serves various roles in the medical and recreational fields. 2 years warranty. |
 |
Emphysema Awareness Ribbon Mouse Pad by MyHeritageWear.com The Emphysema Ribbon proudly displayed on a mouse pad. There is no better way to achieve awareness for the meaning of the Emphysema Ribbon than to display it on your mouse pad for everyone to see. The mouse pad measures at 9.25 x 7.75, it is machine washable, and the colors will not fade or run. Start gaining awareness today by presenting your Emphysema Ribbon mouse pad at work or at home. It is certain to keep your mouse rolling in style all while gaining support and awareness! |
|
Missing Piece:Self-Manage Emphysema [VHS] Starring: Patient to Patient | |
 |
Grn Apple Tree Emphysema T-Shirt Black XL by GRN Apple Tree |
 |
Breathe Out: Living Life to the Fullest, with Emphysema, COPD, or Smoker's Lung by Mary Callahan (Author) BREATHE OUT THROUGH PURSED LIPS! Those words are golden for persons with chronic lung disease. Once mastered, the technique can help with everything from going up stairs to picking up a grandchild, all without shortness of breath. That advice and so many more practical tips for getting through the day and getting through life are contained in the pages of this book. Understanding how lungs work in good health and bad is the key to avoiding symptoms, preventing complications and staying independent. The book is based on the very successful series of classes, called the Respiratory Disease Self-Care Classes, provided for many years by the New Mexico Lung Association. |
 |
Lung Minimal Centrilobular Emphysema Photographic Poster Print, 32x24 by Art.com Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art prints, posters, photographs, and framed artwork. With our huge selection of over 400,000 prints, you'll easily find the perfect piece for your home, office, or classroom. Our art is printed on quality paper. When you order framed artwork, the piece is built by our team of in-house professionals. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/artdotcom to find Special Offers and search for products based on 'Artist Name' and 'Subject Categories' such as Movie, Music, Vintage, TV, Children, Travel, Kitchen, Museum Art, Animals, Floral, Motivational, and Sports. Art.com is dedicated to providing you with high quality products and service by offering you 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your... |
 |
Emphysema Beatbox Ted Eddison (Primary Contributor) |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |