You have asthma severe but you are not allergic to dust mites ? Regardless, run away from them. Inserm researchers warn asthmatics after publishing a study that links dust mites to the worsening of the disease. Their work shows that micro-arachnids contribute to the increase of smooth muscle cells in the bronchi in severe asthmatics. However, this proliferation participates in bronchial remodeling which increases contraction and reduces the diameter of the respiratory ducts.
The proliferation of smooth muscle cells was demonstrated after removal by fibroscopy of epithelial cells and smooth muscle cells from severe asthmatics and healthy volunteers. These cells, once cultured, were exposed to the mites.
As a result, in people with severe asthma (resistant to treatment), smooth muscle cells proliferate when epithelial cells (which line the organs) are stimulated, in this case in the presence of mites.
The epithelial cells then release various inflammation factors, such as leukotrienes, which are sort of caught up by smooth muscle cells, explains Inserm. “Mites are not the cause of everything: it is clearly shown that the smooth muscle cells of severe asthma patients are already remodeled in the absence of these micro-arachnids. But this work shows that the mites represent an additional contribution to remodeling. “, specifies the author of the study Patrick Berger, researcher at Inserm / University of Bordeaux.
A track to dig
To combat this bronchial remodeling, there may be a solution on the side of montelukast, a drug that blocks leukotriene receptors. Work carried out on mice tends to confirm this hypothesis.
In the meantime, asthmatics are called upon to remain vigilant in the face of invisible enemies: “the practical measures recommended for allergics, such as avoiding carpets, double curtains, the use of anti-dust mite covers, are also useful in severe asthmatics. non-allergic “, recalls the study.
>> To read also: Asthma: city life does not increase the risk
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