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Genetic breakthrough may help prevent build up of mucus in the lungs |
Until now the biological reason why the lungs of people with conditions such as asthma and cystic fibrosis often clog up with thick mucus has been unclear. The researchers used a protein from egg whites to induce an allergic reaction in inflammation in the animals' lungs, and showed that SPDEF activity soared in the affected tissues, leading to hyper-production of mucus. Journal of Clinical Investigation Click here for more research on possible treatments for asthma First Publishe September 2009 |