31 May 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.
Margaret
Posted at 08:11h, 31 MayI 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 JuneThat 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 JulyThanks that would be great. As long as I wake up, I’m ready when you are.
Vickie Bacon
Posted at 10:40h, 01 JuneHow would one go about being in a trial for this?
PERF
Posted at 06:44h, 27 JuneThank 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 JuneI 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 JuneIt 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.