New Pills To Help Quit Smoking

Disorders Cure

oi-Staff

By Staff

Monday, January 19, 2009, 15:02

Smokers struggling to quit smoking can pop a pill in near future to give up the habit. According to researchers, 28 molecules, which are produced in abnormal amounts in cells lining the airways of smokers have been identified.

Medicine researchers have proposed that if the levels of these molecules could be restored to that of non-smokers it might allow chronic smokers who have been unable to quit to improve their health prospects. The study is a part of research work at the Boston University School of Medicine.

The study was carried out by lead researcher Avrum Spira and his colleagues, who took took samples of cells from the airways of 10 smokers and 10 non-smokers and identified 28 microRNAs. These organelle are responsible for the expression of whole networks of related genes, that are characteristic of the smokers.

"These microRNAs serve to regulate the gene expression changes occurring in people who smoke and who get smoking related diseases, including cancer," says Spira.

The mir-218 was found to protect the airway cells from the oxidative damage caused by smoke responsible for control of the group of genes that protect lung and airway cells from the oxidative damage caused by smoking. "We think the level of activity [of mir-218] is crucial in how a smoker defends his or herself against injury and potential development of lung disease," the expert added.

The other microRNAs that were identified were found to regulate the proliferation and growth of airway cells. The damage caused due to smoking could be restored by using the supplements of mir-218 or a drug that could revive the damaged levels of microRNAs. “We might be able to alter the host''s response to tobacco smoke so that it is a protective one," says Spira. AGENCIES

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.