New Type of Cell, Discovered in Human Lungs, May Lead to Novel Treatments.<br />'The Independent' reports that scientists have discovered <br />a new type of cell within human lungs that could <br />help to treat some kinds of respiratory diseases. .<br />Researchers reportedly identified new cells called, respiratory airway secretory cells (RASCs), in human lung tissue samples.<br />According to the study, published last week in the journal <br />'Nature,' these cells line tiny airways near the alveoli <br />air sacs which exchange oxygen for carbon dioxide.<br />The study also found that RASCs <br />have stem-cell-like properties that allow <br />them to regenerate other lung cells.<br />According to the study, common smoking-related ailments disrupt the normal functions of RASCs.<br />Scientists believe that correcting this disruption could lead to a potential treatment for COPD and other smoking-related respiratory ailments.<br />Scientists believe that correcting this disruption could lead to a potential treatment for COPD and other smoking-related respiratory ailments.<br />COPD causes approximately, 3 million deaths, globally each year.<br />It affects nearly 10% of people <br />in some regions of the U.S.<br />Current forms of treatment can <br />only slow the progression of the disease <br />but are unable to stop or reverse it.<br />COPD is a devastating and common <br />disease, yet we really don’t understand <br />the cellular biology of why or how <br />some patients develop it, Maria Basil, study first author, via 'The Independent'.<br />Identifying new cell types, <br />in particular new progenitor cells, that are <br />injured in COPD could really accelerate<br />the development of new treatments, Maria Basil, study first author, via 'The Independent'
