Breathing difficulty is a tremendous strain on the human body. What’s even more worrying for patients is that there have been few medical breakthroughs in this area in recent times. Asthma is one of the most common breathing disorders, affecting three million people in Canada alone. While the symptoms can be controlled by using inhalers, progress with curbing the underlying causes has been slow.
A study currently being carried out by Baylor College of Medicine in Texas could well offer some hope. Researchers have recently provided a positive progress update as it attempts to block the prevalence of a molecule seen as an asthma instigator. It’s not currently ready for human testing, but further progress could well see it approved as a means of addressing this common medical disorder. Here’s a closer look at what the research has uncovered.
Breaking Down the Science Behind Asthma
Asthma stems from a malfunction in the lungs, namely the bronchi and bronchioles. These tiny air passages are surrounded by a lining called the mucosa and a layer of muscles. Asthma patients suffer from a tightening of those muscles which restricts air flow and creates plenty of discomfort. This can be triggered by several everyday occurrences, such as pollen, dust, exercise, smoke, and much more.
Many professionals with a clinical research diploma dedicate their time to developing medication for the relief of asthmatic symptoms. This condition causes tightness in the chest, constricted breathing, and could lead to death in some cases. Long-term and short-term medication is commonly available for patients to prevent the breakout of asthma attacks, but no cure has yet been discovered.
Inhalers are commonly used to treat asthma symptoms
This Potential Medical Breakthrough Focuses on the STAT6 Body Molecule
This latest study attempts to isolate the factors which cause asthma to occur, namely the STAT6 molecule. Its prevalence eventually leads to the tightening of the lung airways, so researchers are attempting to negate its impact on the human body. This has been done by creating a small molecule that will reduce the ability of STAT6 to do its work in the lung cells. The molecule PM-43l has been developed to carry out this task, and it has enjoyed proven success in clinical testing of mice so far.
Of course, one of the concerns about using carefully developed molecules are the possible side effects. Researchers say, however, that the new molecule is carefully passed through the kidneys. It’s unclear at what stage the testing will produce results that make it an effective option for humans.
The Additional Benefits to Be Aware of During a Clinical Research Diploma
Much of the current system of asthma treatment focuses on the use of inhalers, many of which contain steroids. Despite reducing inflammation, these steroids bring unwanted side effects by reducing the ability of the immune system to fight disease. Students in clinical research training are noting, however, the confidence of researchers who believe that such steroids would not be necessary as part of this treatment.
The cost of research and development is a regular concern for pharmaceutical companies, but researchers believe that this is a relatively cheap, easily produced option with a smaller chance of patients developing a sensitivity to it. It’s still early days for this strand of research, but any progress in the treatment of asthma would be warmly welcomed by the world of medicine.
This research could provide relief for asthma sufferers
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