Prolonged use of respiratory drugs can be ineffective


Lung diseases and drugs:A new study by the Scientists from The University of Manchester has revealed that drugs which are widely used to treat respiratory diseases, like asthma and pneumonia, work with the body clock, and render them ineffective.


 

Scientists from The University of Manchester have found out that cells lining the lung airways have their own body clock which is the time-keeper for lung inflammation – both conditions cause swelling (inflammation) in the lungs and more severe lung inflammation happens as a result of the loss of the body clock working in these cells.
The team also uncovered how glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal gland are vital in controlling the level of inflammation in the cells lining the airway and concluded that the rhythm of the clock in the lining of the cells in the lungs is important for lung diseases like asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Loudon said that they have defined a major circadian control on lung inflammation which affects responses to bacterial infection or pneumonia.

Source:Nature Medicine