Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
Health

Shift work can worsen asthma, pneumonia

Darpan News Desk IANS, 28 Jul, 2014 07:31 AM
    A research has found that drugs widely used to treat lung diseases like asthma or pneumonia work better with the body clock.
     
    Once the ancient rhythm of our body clock is disturbed owing to artificial light, shift work and jet lag, medication to treat asthma and pneumonia can become ineffective, scientists said.
     
    The research led by professors David Ray and Andrew Loudon from University of Manchester found that cells lining the lung airways have their own body clock which is the time-keeper for lung inflammation -- both conditions cause swelling in the lungs.
     
    Researchers further discovered that more severe lung inflammation happens as a result of the loss of the body clock working in these cells.
     
    "We found a key molecule known as CXCL5 that facilitates lung inflammation which is a key regulator of how immune cells get into tissues. The loss of CXCL5 completely prevents the time of day regulation of lung inflammation which opens up new ways to treat lung diseases," Loudon said.
     
    During the research, the team uncovered how glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal gland are vital in controlling the level of inflammation in the cells lining the airway.
     
    "This hormone works through the glucocorticoid receptor, a major regulator of gene expression. We wanted to find out, therefore, if glucocorticoid medicines would also show a time of day effect. Our research shows they do," Ray added.
     
    The team concluded that the rhythm of the clock in the lining of the cells in the lungs is important for lung diseases like asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
     
    Our bodies anticipate the change from day to night by having an internal, or circadian clock.
     
    This explains why it is hard to adjust to shift work.
     
    The body clock regulates sleep but now has been discovered to also regulate our immune system.
     
    The findings were published in the journal Nature Medicine.

    MORE Health ARTICLES

    Starvation effects pass on to next 3 generations

    Starvation effects pass on to next 3 generations
    Starvation may affect the health of at least the next three generations, says a study.

    Starvation effects pass on to next 3 generations

    Busiest hospital best for emergency patients

    Busiest hospital best for emergency patients
    When a medical emergency strikes, instinct tells us to go to the nearest hospital quickly.

    Busiest hospital best for emergency patients

    Common cholesterol drug linked to death risk

    Common cholesterol drug linked to death risk
    Niacin, a common cholesterol drug for 50 years, should no longer be prescribed owing to potential increased risk of death, dangerous side effects and no benefit in reducing heart attacks and strokes, researchers said.

    Common cholesterol drug linked to death risk

    Eat leafy vegetables to reset biological clock

    Eat leafy vegetables to reset biological clock
    Lipoic acid, found at higher levels in organ meats and leafy vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, may help reset and synchronise circadian rhythms or the "biological clock" found in most life forms, says a study.

    Eat leafy vegetables to reset biological clock

    Divorce can lead to high blood pressure

    Divorce can lead to high blood pressure
    Just had a divorce and facing persistent sleep problems? Check your blood pressure as you may be at the risk of potentially harmful increase in blood pressure, says a study.

    Divorce can lead to high blood pressure

    True happiness lies in your DNA

    True happiness lies in your DNA
    Looking for eternal happiness? Try to match the DNA of Danish people.

    True happiness lies in your DNA