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Cure Research for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Treatments for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Treatments to consider for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis may include:

Medical Research Breakthroughs and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Biomarkers For Idiopathic Pulmonary fibrosis: Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) is a degenerative illness distinguished by progressive lung scarring and diminished breathing capacity, typically leading to death within about five years of diagnosis. There is no straightforward test for IPF as the lung is not highly accessible; biopsy procedures carry risk, and while imaging is good, it can't follow the disease biologically .Researchers analyzed the concentrations of 49 proteins in the plasma of 74 patients with IPF and 53 normal controls. A combination of five proteins related to normal tissue breakdown and remodeling and certain disease processes, including arthritis and cancer, was found to be highly indicative of IPF. Increases in two of the five, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 7 and 1, also were observed in tissue and fluid taken from the lungs of IPF patients. Other proteins in the IPF signature are matrix metalloproteinase 8, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 and tumor necrosis factor receptor super family member 1A . These proteins were increased in IPF patients, but not in patients with lung illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Elevated MMP1 and MMP7 also distinguished IPF when compared to levels associated with another disease that closely mimics IPF, called sub acute/chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia. In particular, increased concentrations of MMP7 "may be indicative of asymptomatic lung disease and perhaps reflect disease progression. Elevated MMP1 and MMP7 also distinguished IPF when compared to levels associated with another disease that closely mimics IPF, called sub acute/chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia. In particular, increased concentrations of MMP7 "may be indicative of asymptomatic lung disease and perhaps reflect disease progression. The disease progresses very slowly. But a blood biomarker could indicate whether a drug is working earlier. The biomarkers also might be used for risk assessment and for evaluation of disease progression. Some known causes of pulmonary fibrosis include occupational and environmental exposure to asbestos, metal dust, farming chemicals and mold, an inflammatory disease called sarcoidosis, radiation, drug reactions, autoimmune disorders and possibly a genetic predisposition. Most cases are of unknown origin.