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UTMB Study Could Lead to New Therapies for Asthma, COPD

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston just released information on a discovery that could lead to new therapies for asthma and improve therapies for the people suffering from asthma and COPD.

Great News.

Role of Goblet Cell Metaplasia

“Using cell culture and laboratory mouse experiments, the researchers showed that the enzyme, aldose reductase, is essential to a process known as goblet cell metaplasia that is seen in both asthma and COPD. In goblet cell metaplasia, exposure to allergens such as pollen, mold
and dust mites initiates a series of biochemical reactions that causes the cells that line the air passages of the lungs to change from their normal state into so-called “goblet cells,” which produce substantial amounts of excess mucus. Healthy individuals’ lungs contain very few goblet cells, but patients who die from asthma — an estimated 5,000
people annually — have significantly higher numbers of these cells.

Aldose Reductase Key to New Therapies for Asthma

“Aldose reductase is key to a whole range of inflammation
disorders, so it comes as no surprise that it should be crucial to the inflammatory processes that drive disease in asthma and COPD,” said UTMB Health biochemistry and molecular biology professor Satish Srivastava, senior author of the paper. “The discovery that aldose reductase
regulates mucus production and goblet cell metaplasia makes inhibition of this enzyme an attractive therapeutic option to reduce mucus-related airway obstructive diseases — and for the first time gives us a real chance to alter the course of the underlying disease in asthma and
COPD.”

You can read the complete article here.

One thing it mentions is the possibility that these new therapies for asthma and COPD may provide an alternative to steroid treatment for patients. I know many of our clients would love to stop taking steroids. So many parents are concerned about the effects long-term steroid use will have on their children.

Wishing you the best of health

Mike Krause

AllergyStore.com

Tea Tree Oil – Dust Mites Don’t Care For It

Recently I read an article about Tea Tree Oil and it explains all of it’s benefits. For years we have sold a laundry additive, DeMite, that has Tea Tree Oil as one of its active ingredients and 1,000’s of our customers just love it. I know my wife washes our sheets every week with it. DeMite works great getting rid of the allergens from dust mites.

The article goes on to talk about using it as an earth friendly cleaner, athletes foot treatment, shampoo and deodorizer. We find anti fungal med either you like the smell, similar to eucalyptus, or you don’t. There doesn’t seem to be a middle ground when it comes to the aroma of Tea Tree Oil.

One of the things I found funny is the article speaks so highly of the Australian Tea Tree. Here in South Florida we call them Melaleuca trees. The county, state, and federal government have spent millions of dollars every year to get rid of them. They are considered an invasive and a threat to the Everglades. They have even released specific bugs to try to kill the trees. There is a rich irony that bugs are being used to kill trees that produce an oil used to control bugs.

Wishing you the best of health
Mike Krause
AllergyStore.com – Serving Customers Since 1989
800 771-ACHOO

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Vitamin D and Asthma

Did you get your dose of vitamin D today? If you have asthma, that is a question you should be asking. An article published in the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) documented the relationship between Vitamin D and asthma that is not controlled.

Follow this link to read the complete article.

It is winter time so most people are spending more times indoors where it is warm. Even in South Florida its a bit chilly today. One of the things being outdoors and in the sun (besides keeping us warm) is that sunlight helps our bodies produce vitamin D.

Vitamin D Benefits

Vitamin D is an important vitamin that is necessary for the human body and helps us stay healthy Vitamin D gives us strong bones and aides in absorption of other nutrients. Short term exposure to sunshine on a regular basis and a healthy diet with plenty of vitamin D enriched foods such as milk and yogurt will usually provide an adequate amount of vitamin D.

If you have asthma, you may want to discuss this article with your doctor. It might be time for you to explore the relationship between Vitamin D and asthma if your asthma is not well controlled.

Always discuss use of supplements with your allergist.

In the meantime stay warm and try to get some sun and your Vitamin D.

Wishing you the best of health

Mike Krause
AlleregyStore.com – Helping our customers since 1989
800 771-2246