Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers breathe new life into COPD research using mouse models

Researchers used mouse models to explain the developmental process behind COPD, finding that immune cells called basophils induce airway degeneration by triggering a cascade of immune responses. The study's findings may lead to therapies targeting basophils or related immune cells to slow down emphysema progression.

SourceTokyo Medical and Dental University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 31, 2019

Flu vaccination keeps COPD patients out of the hospital

A recent study published in CHEST reveals that influenza vaccination can reduce hospitalizations among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by up to 38%. The study found that nearly two-thirds of COPD patients were not vaccinated, highlighting the need for improved vaccination rates and timely antiviral medication...

Mayo clinic researchers question benefits of long term oxygen therapy in COPD

A recent study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association found that long-term oxygen therapy does not decrease hospitalization risk or increase life expectancy for many patients with mild to moderate COPD. However, it may lower quality of life due to its significant costs and practical challenges.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateOct 8, 2018

The urban training intervention increases physical activity in COPD patients

A new approach for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been proposed, increasing physical activity levels by over 900 steps per day. The Urban Training intervention, developed by the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, combines tailored components to address individual social and cultural factors.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalEuropean Respiratory Journal·DateOct 5, 2018

Cooking with wood or coal is linked to increased risk of respiratory illness and death

A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine found that using solid fuels for cooking is linked to a higher risk of hospitalization or death from respiratory diseases. The research, conducted in China, suggests that switching to clean-burning fuels can significantly lower this risk.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateSep 21, 2018

Testosterone replacement therapy may slow the progression of COPD

Researchers at The University of Texas Medical Branch found that testosterone replacement therapy reduces respiratory hospitalizations in middle-aged and older men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This suggests that testosterone replacement therapy may slow the progression of COPD in these individuals.

SourceSAGE·JournalChronic Respiratory Disease·DateSep 13, 2018

More than 40 percent of women with asthma may develop COPD, but risk may be reduced

A study found that nearly 40% of women with asthma may develop COPD, but certain factors such as smoking, obesity, and socioeconomic status may lower this risk. The researchers identified individual risk factors playing a more significant role in the development of COPD overlap syndrome than exposure to air pollution.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateAug 10, 2018

Study: Almost 100 million adults have COPD in China

A new study found that almost 100 million adults in China suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), with men having a higher prevalence than women. The study highlights the need for public health strategies to prevent COPD, including smoking cessation programs and stricter control of ambient air pollution.

SourceTulane University·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 9, 2018

Unusual lung structures may raise risk of pulmonary disease

Researchers at McGill University and Columbia University Irving Medical Center found that variations in large airway branches are associated with higher COPD prevalence. People with certain airway tree variations are more likely to have COPD, especially if they smoke, highlighting the importance of quitting smoking as the best antidote.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2018

New therapeutic approach for advanced lung disease

Researchers have identified new drug candidates that target multiple protein kinase families to reduce inflammation in COPD. The Narrow Spectrum Kinase Inhibitors (NSKIs) show promising anti-inflammatory effects and may constitute a breakthrough in treating advanced lung disease.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateJan 12, 2018

Heavy-petroleum fuels raising vanadium emissions

Human emissions of vanadium have spiked since the start of the 21st century due to heavy oil use, surpassing natural sources combined. The health risks of airborne vanadium particles are not well documented but may impair respiratory functions and exacerbate conditions like asthma.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 15, 2017

Rheumatoid arthritis linked to an increased risk of COPD

Research reveals that rheumatoid arthritis may increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions are at a higher risk, emphasizing the need for controlled inflammation and early symptom monitoring.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateOct 19, 2017

Therapy proves effective in subgroup of COPD patients

A new antibody treatment has been shown to reduce the rate of exacerbations by nearly 20% in patients with a subgroup of treatment-resistant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study found that patients with high eosinophil counts benefited more from the treatment, indicating a potential biomarker for the disease.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 12, 2017

New virtual model reveals details of declining lung function in mice

A new virtual model of mouse lung function has been developed to better understand the relative importance of different factors contributing to lung changes in chronic inflammation. The study found that changes in lung recruitment and elastic fiber density were mainly responsible for declining lung function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 24, 2017