Fatal lung disease sufferers could benefit from breakthrough

Pioneering research conducted at the University of Sheffield could pave the way for new treatments to be developed which could benefit patients suffering from the fatal lung disease pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH).

Scientists have found an antibody treatment that, as well as stopping PAH getting worse, also reverses the condition in mice and rats.

Dr Allan Lawrie, a MRC Career Development Fellow from the University of Sheffield's Department of Cardiovascular Science, stated the research opens up a new insight into the mechanisms of PAH.

A protein called tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is believed to be at the heart of the problem.

"If we can interrupt this process by blocking the TRAIL pathway, we have the potential to stop the disease in its tracks and even reverse the damage already done," said Dr Lawrie.

Symptoms of PAH include dyspnoea, dizziness and fatigue, but these are shared with many other conditions.

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