Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease occurs when airflow to the lungs is blocked causing an increase of airway resistance (Tortorra and Derrickson). It is one of the highest causes of death of Americans and affects males more than females, but female COPD diagnoses have recently increased (Tortorra and Derrickson). Its primary cause is cigarette smoking or secondhand smoke meaning it can be prevented by avoiding those activities (Tortorra and Derrickson). There is no cure for COPD but there are available treatments to ease symptoms (ScienceDaily). However, recent studies have shown that with the use of epigenetics, chemical modifications to DNA and its proteins, can cause the lungs to regenerate damaged tissue and possibly curing the disease (ScienceDaily).
Dr. Ed Morrisey from the Institute for Regenerative Medicine in the University of Pennsylvania is researching the possibility of repairing the regenerative property of the lungs that is lost with pulmonary diseases (ScienceDaily). His studies show that a person with COPD had a lower amount of an enzyme called HDAC2 which he believes leads to the inability of the lung epithelium to regenerate properly (ScienceDaily). Further studies supported his belief when it was found that the different types of HDACs in the body functioned for both development and regeneration of lung tissue (ScienceDaily). With this finding, he believes that further studies of HDAC activity can lead to treatments that could potentially cure many types of lung diseases like COPD (ScienceDaily).
The lungs are one of the most important organs in the body and taking care of them is critical for an overall well being, and avoiding damaging such an important organ can prevent one from getting a lung disease. Respiratory diseases are all too common in America with millions diagnosed with Asthma, COPD, Emphysema, Chronic bronchitis, and other lung related diseases. These disorders are a big burden to those affected by them, and those with the disorder live the rest of their life with it as there are no cures only treatments for the symptoms. However, this recent study on the effects of the HDAC enzyme can lead to further research that could allow for a treatment with HDAC to regenerate damaged lung tissue that would cure many respiratory diseases.
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “Tweaking gene expression to repair lungs.” ScienceDaily, 25 Feb. 2013. Web. 28 Mar. 2013
Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons