cancer fighter can also help patients survive pneumonia -
The tip of an immune molecule known for his ability to fight cancer may also help patients survive the pneumonia, report scientists.
a synthesized version of the point of the tumor necrosis factor appears to function as a doorstop to keep the sodium channels open inside the air sacs of the lungs to excess fluid can be removed, according to a study in American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine .
This tip peptide is attracted by the sugar coating in the mouth of the sodium channel. Once the two are connected, they move inside the small but essential number of cells that help keep the lungs clear taking sodium, said Dr. Rudolf Lucas, vascular biologist at the Medical College of Georgia in 'Georgia Regents University and corresponding author of the study.
inside these cells, TIP binds to the most critical part of the sodium pump, the alpha subunit, and the liquid begins to move again. Sodium comes into the canal, water follows, and the sodium pump pushes fluid into the natural drainage system of the body, called the lymphatic system.
"The more sodium you take, the more water will be taken by these cells," said Lucas. "This is the way it's supposed to work.
Fluid 266 million in air sacs of the lungs interferes with breathing, and the important transfer of oxygen from the capillaries to air bags so that it can be distributed throughout the body. TNF, known for its ability to tumor killing, was in fact considered a "bad guy" in the lungs where it can block the sodium channel. in fact, excessive TNF production can put patients in shock.
"We found that there is another side to the tip of this molecule, which recognizes the sugar groups and this side counteracts this side," said Lucas. " We knew we could stimulate fluid clearance in animal models with this peptide and we also knew that we could increase the absorption of sodium. Now we know more about how it works. "
Pneumonia and influenza and are the eighth leading cause of death in the United States with the deadliest overwhelming pneumonia, according to the American Lung Association. The elderly, children, and the chronically ill are most at risk.
Ironically, lung problems can actually worsen with the treatment of pneumonia. viruses and bacteria are the main causes of pneumonia, with bacteria generally produce the most cases serious. When antibiotics are given to kill the bacteria, the organisms die release toxins that reduce the expression of sodium channel and help to keep it closed at a time when he needs to work even harder. "the natural system is compromised by infection, "said Lucas.
TNF weighs as well. He was recruited as part of the natural body defense against bacterial infection, producing reactive oxygen species to help destroy the body, but also to block the sodium channel. It can even produce more fluid in the lungs by capillaries that leak
The TIP peptide appears to help the body do what is necessary at this time :. Keep sodium channels open, intact and safe from bacterial toxins. "You have two opposing sides within the same molecule TNF," said Lucas. "We give a lot more of the positive part so we can help it function better than the normal response."
The mice with less expression of this sugar TIP experience much more loving the swelling, or edema, and those lacking the alpha subunit of the sodium pump can not survive.
in laboratory studies, the scientists used the strongest toxin produced by pneumonia-causing bacteria while the next steps include looking at all of infection. Lucas also looks at the effect of the TIP peptide flu with its scientific fellow Dr. Andrew Mellor MCG and in renal failure with MCG Chair in medicine Dr. Michael Madaio.
His studies in mice and pigs have shown the peptide increases the elimination of four liquid and improves oxygen levels in the blood.
Recent clinical trials of peptide at the medical University of Vienna in patients with pulmonary edema, or swelling, who were at high risk of multiple organ failure and death, has shown that the disposal of liquid has occurred earlier and was significantly better in patients receiving the synthesized peptide. It works best in most patients and no side effects have been reported patients.
The biotechnology company APEPTICO has a patent on the peptide and funded clinical studies in which it was given twice daily by breathing help mask ventilation support.
in healthy individuals, the sodium channels are almost always open, people make very little TNF, and there is very little fluid in the lungs.
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