For the study, researchers used a laboratory model to simulate human primary sclerosing cholangitis, a chronic disease that damages bile ducts and causes serious liver damage. In the models, researchers closely evaluated mast cells, which multiply after liver injury and release histamine, a compound that causes fibrosis, or liver scarring.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox!
Using cromolyn sodium, a medication commonly delivered to asthmatics via inhalers, researchers were able to block the fibrosis-causing histamine.
“If you base it off these studies, the possibility of reducing or preventing fibrosis in patients could be very high,” said Heather L. Bradley-Francis, PhD, an investigator at the Digestive Disease Research Center at Baylor Scott & White Health headquartered in Dallas.
Dr. Bradley-Francis added that, though the results are promising, enthusiasm should be tempered. “We need to perform additional experiments to ensure that we are giving a dose that would be tolerable to humans,” she said.
More articles on quality:
Calcium supplements linked to heart damage
Acupuncture can lower ICU patients’ pain, study finds
Can cervical cancer screening intervals be extended beyond 5 years? 5 new findings
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.