A New Drug May Improve Lung and Cardiovascular Function

Ghrelin, a substance related to growth-hormone, is being studied to determine if it may improve the symptoms of emphysema. Ghrelin is known to stimulate muscle growth, create anti-inflammatory effects, promote dilation of blood vessels, and improve heart performance. Researchers hypothesized that use of the drug in emphysema patients might reduce lung inflammation and remodeling and might also improve lung mechanics and cardiac function.

Results of a Study Using Ghrelin to Treat Emphysema Symptoms in Mice

In a study using mice in which lung damage was caused by introducing chemicals into the lungs to cause emphysema, ghrelin was found to reduce the lung damage, improve heart function, and also increase muscle mass.

The researchers concluded that the results achieved by this study should prompt further studies to evaluate ghrelin as a potential therapy for emphysema.  However, drugs that work in mice often do not work the same way in people.  Extensive testing in patients would be required to prove the value of this therapy.

Information for this article was obtained from BioMed Central.

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7 Comments
  • Margaret
    Posted at 08:11h, 31 May Reply

    I would love to be a study for this new medication, it may not help me but it could possibly help someone else in the future.

    • PERF
      Posted at 06:45h, 27 June Reply

      That is commendable, Margaret. Unfortunately, there is no immediate testing with humans scheduled at this time that we know of, but if this developed, we would post the information here on this blog.

      • Margaret Stacey
        Posted at 13:35h, 31 July Reply

        Thanks that would be great. As long as I wake up, I’m ready when you are.

  • Vickie Bacon
    Posted at 10:40h, 01 June Reply

    How would one go about being in a trial for this?

    • PERF
      Posted at 06:44h, 27 June Reply

      Thank you for writing, Vickie. You’re not the first to ask how to participate in a trial for ghrelin! While the research we reported on is encouraging, unfortunately, as stated in this article, “drugs that work in mice often do not work the same way in people.” There is no immediate testing with humans scheduled at this time that we know of, but if this developed, we would post the information here on this blog.

  • Vickie Newman
    Posted at 14:55h, 05 June Reply

    I think that is wonderful news. How long would the studies be on humans? I would love to try it. I would try anything. This COPD is nasty.

    • PERF
      Posted at 06:41h, 27 June Reply

      It is indeed encouraging news, but unfortunately, as stated in this article, “drugs that work in mice often do not work the same way in people. Extensive testing in patients would be required to prove the value of this therapy.” There is no immediate testing with humans scheduled at this time that we know of, but if this developed, we would post the information here on this blog.

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