"Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD for short, is believed to be the third most common cause of death worldwide. However, because the underlying mechanism is still largely unknown, today's treatments can only slow progression of the disease. Scientists have now reported a previously unknown pathogenic mechanism, which they have already been able to prevent in the laboratory."
WHOOOHOOO! Do you see what I see?
"It is believed that the development of iBALT [inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue} plays a key role in the deterioration of COPD -- but until now it was unclear exactly how iBALT forms."
"The lung specialists looked for known processes in other lymphoid tissues. In this context, their attention was drawn to the metabolism of oxysterols. Oxysterols are derivatives of cholesterol that play a role in a wide range of biological processes, including the positioning of immune cells in lymphoid tissue."
"iBALT formation is inhibited if the metabolic enzymes are absent. Their absence also prevented the migration of immune cells and damage to the lungs despite exposure to cigarette smoke."
"Our future goal is to transfer the results from the model to humans with a view to intervening in the development of COPD," Ali Önder Yildirim says. "There is still a lot of work to do, however we are very much looking forward to it."
[Source: COPD-associated inflammation halted in model experiment -- ScienceDaily ]
Never ever give up or gie in! Take the very best care of yourselves and R&D will catch up to us! I BELIEVE!
LLAP
