Researchers at King’s College London have found a new reason for asthma that brings hope for a potential treatment to stop the life-threatening disease. Most current treatments for asthma are based on the belief that it is an inflammatory condition. However, the dangerous aspect of asthma is the attack or narrowing of the airways, which makes it hard to breathe. The recent study, released in the latest edition of Science, reveals that numerous characteristics of asthma can be linked to the narrowing of the airways, providing a new avenue for potential treatments.The physical constriction of an asthma attack causes inflammation, mucus secretion, and damage to the airway barrier that prevents infections. In a mouse model, blocking a process that normally causes epithelial cell death could prevent the damage, inflammation, and mucus that result from an asthma attack. Professor Jody Rosenblatt from King’s College London stated that their discovery is the culmination of over ten years of work as cell biologists who observe processes and could see the widespread destruction of the airway barrier caused by the physical constriction of an asthma attack.The presence of this obstacle increases the likelihood of asthma sufferers experiencing long-term inflammation, slower wound healing, and increased susceptibility to infections that can trigger more attacks. By gaining insight into this underlying mechanism, we are now better equipped to prevent these occurrences.”
In the UK, 5.4 million individuals have asthma and may experience symptoms like wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Triggers such as pollen or dust can exacerbate asthma symptoms and potentially lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
Despite the prevalence of the disease, the causes of asthma are still not fully understood. Current medications primarily address the consequences of an asthma attack.helps protect the lungs from environmental triggers that can exacerbate asthma symptoms. By understanding this process, researchers hope to develop new treatments that focus on preventing the damage to the airway barrier caused by bronchoconstriction.
The study’s senior author, Dr. Sandeep Datta, explains that current asthma treatments work by opening the airways, reducing inflammation, and breaking up mucus, but they do not target the underlying cause of asthma symptoms. By focusing on preventing the damage caused by bronchoconstriction, researchers hope to develop more effective treatments for asthma in the future.
Gadolinium, a chemical compound, has been found in previous studies to have the potential to block extrusion, which can cause inflammation and excess mucus. In a recent study, researchers discovered that gadolinium may be able to prevent excessive extrusion in mice, which is known to cause damage and inflammation following an asthma attack. However, it’s important to note that gadolinium has not been tested in humans and its safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
Professor Rosenblatt explained that the constriction and destruction of the airways result in post-attack inflammation and excessive mucus production, making it difficult for asthma patients to breathe. Current therapies are not effective in preventing these issues.An inhaler like Albuterol is important for opening the airways during an asthma attack, but it doesn’t prevent the damage and symptoms that come after. However, researchers have discovered that a cheap compound called gadolinium, commonly used for MRI imaging, can stop airway damage, inflammation, and mucus secretion in mice. This breakthrough could potentially prevent the muscle buildup that causes future attacks. Professor Chris Brightling from the University of Leicester, one of the study’s co-authors, noted that there have been significant advancements in asthma treatment over the past decade.There has been significant progress in asthma treatments targeting airway inflammation. However, many individuals still experience ongoing symptoms and attacks. This study has discovered a new process called epithelial extrusion, which occurs when the lining of the airway is damaged due to mechanical constriction. This process is linked to many key asthma features. Improved understanding of this process is expected to result in new asthma treatments.
Dr. Samantha Walker, Director of Research and Innovation at Asthma + Lung UK, stated: “Only two percent of public health funding is dedicated to developing new treatments.The latest research is promising for the 12 million individuals in the UK who live with lung conditions, as it could potentially aid in the management and prevention of asthma. According to the findings from an experimental mouse model, airway constriction can cause harm to the lung lining and lead to inflammation, which mimics the effects of asthma. This constriction and resulting damage is what causes breathing difficulties for individuals with asthma. While current asthma medications focus on addressing inflammation, they are not always effective for everyone. The goal of treatments is to prevent future asthma attacks and enhance asthma control.Asthma is a common condition that affects many people. While some manage their symptoms with daily inhalers, about 31% of people with asthma struggle to find effective treatment options. This puts them at risk of having severe asthma attacks, which could be life-threatening.
This new discovery could lead to the development of new treatment options for people with asthma, beyond just focusing on reducing inflammation. It opens up exciting possibilities for improving the lives of those with asthma.
The research into cell extrusion may also have implications for other inflammatory diseases that involve constriction, such as gut cramping and inflammatory bowel disease.
This study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Leicester and is an important step forward in understanding and potentially treating asthma.Funded by Wellcome, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the American Asthma Foundation.