[b]University of North Carolina School of Medicine[/b] researchers have provided the first quantitative evidence that mucins – the protein framework of mucus – are significantly increased in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and play a major role in failing lung function. [s]Health-Canal[/s] reports that the research shows that a three-fold increase of mucins dramatically increases the water-draining power of the mucus layer. This hinders mucus clearance in the CF lung, resulting in infection, inflammation, and ultimately lung failure. The UNC study also casts further doubt on a controversial 2004 study that disputed the theory that mucins play a major role in CF. ‘This paper points to a ther apeutic strategy to rectify this problem of mucus clearance and provides signposts, or biomarkers, to guide development of novel therapies,’ said Richard Boucher, the [b]James C Moeser Eminent Distinguished Professor of Medicine[/b].
[link url=http://www.healthcanal.com/disorders-conditions/51518-increased-mucins-pinned-to-worsening-cystic-fibrosis-symptoms.html]Full Health-Canal report[/link]
[link url=http://www.jci.org/articles/view/73469]JCI article[/link]