Researchers have discovered a distinct biochemical profile in the urine of those suffering from severe asthma in a breakthrough study that could help offer better treatment, according to a report by News-Medical Life Sciences.
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Conducted by researchers from the University of Australia, the distinct biochemical profile stood out when compared to those individuals suffering from mild or moderate asthma, or even healthy individuals.
Researchers found that severe asthmatics had lowered levels of carnitines, a specific kind of metabolite. To the unaware, carnitines are an important part of our body’s cellular energy generation process alongside immune response. Further research revealed that carnitine is metabolised slower in the body of those suffering from severe asthma.
Researchers hope this breakthrough discovery could allow better researchers to develop more effective treatment methodologies.
Dr Stacey Reinke from the Karolinska Institute, Sweden, explained, “Severe asthma occurs when someone’s asthma is uncontrolled, despite being treated with high levels of medication and/or multiple medications. To identify and develop new treatment options, we first need to better understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease.”
Research into asthma is challenging since invasive procedures in the lungs aren’t possible. However, the lungs are densely packed with blood vessels and researchers can look for the profile of the blood passing through the lungs. Changes in chemical compositions in the blood get excreted via urine that allowing researchers to investigate easily.
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Reinke added, “In this case, we were able to use the urinary metabolome of asthmatics to identify fundamental differences in energy metabolism that may represent a target for new interventions in asthma control.”
She concluded by stating, that these are preliminary results, and further investigation is needed for carnitine metabolism to evaluate its potential as a new asthma treatment target.
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