Research in COPD leads to hope for new treatments

Researchers have found a link to making lung cells repair themselves, leading to hope for treatment for COPD.

A recent breakthrough from the German Center for Lung Research has found a link between a molecule called Wnt5a and the inability of lung cells to repair their damaged tissue. They found that this molecule disrupts the natural signaling behavior in the body that starts the process of regenerating damaged cells. Isolating the molecule allowed scientists to replicate a cell’s inability to heal itself reliably. Using this knowledge, it is possible that medication could be developed that eliminates Wnt5a from the lungs and allows the cells to resume normal function. Although the technology does not yet exist, a possible solution to a disease without a current cure is always a positive outcome.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an incredibly prevalent problem that the COPD Foundation estimates 30 million people are dealing with in the United States alone. Capturing several different progressive lung diseases like chronic bronchitis, refractory asthma, emphysema, and bronchiectasis, COPD causes severe issues with breathing, which are often not reversible. Sufferers can expect to experience breathlessness, persistent coughing, wheezing, and even tightness in the chest cavity.

Although smoking is listed as one of the primary causes of COPD, cigarettes are just increasing the inhalation of harmful pollutants that lead to problems. Chemicals, dust and fumes, and other irritants found in a variety of work environments and breathed in regularly, are just as likely to cause issues. Genetic markers, as well, can point to an increased risk of developing lung problems. Both of these causes lead to widespread deterioration in the lung cells responsible for capturing oxygen from the air.

Breathed air travels from the windpipe down into the airways, called bronchi, which all have a cluster of air sacs attached to them called alveoli. There are tiny hair-like sweeper cells, called cilia, that typically clear mucus out of the airways and allow the lungs to function correctly. However, as the pollutants damage the cilia, the airways narrow and become swollen. Although some medications can slow the process, researchers haven’t yet found a way to help the damaged cells repair themselves.