Protein Therapy Helps Treat Patients with Chronic Lung Disease

The protein MG53 may be able to treat acute and chronic lung cell injury, according to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications.

Researchers from Ohio State's Department of Surgery were the first to identify the protein in 2008. Yet they have now found that it can repair and protect the heart and skeletal muscle cells.

"This latest study demonstrates that MG53 is expressed in the lungs and may be used to repair many types of lung injuries," said Jianjie Ma, a professor and researcher in Ohio State's Department of Surgery, in a news release. 

"We need to do further testing, but so far this therapy appears safe," Ma added. "The human body already makes small amounts of MG53 in blood circulation, so there is no concern for allergic response. Additionally, we treated rodent models with a dose 10 times higher than the effective dose with no adverse effects."

Acute lung injury typically occurs in critically ill patients. Fortunately, the American Lung Association estimates that close to 36 million Americans that live with chronic lung disease could potentially benefit from a therapy that targets cell repair. 

"If treatment with rhMG53 works in humans, the implications for patient care could be quite significant," Ma concluded. "It could prevent and repair heart and lung cell damage. It could be used prior to surgeries to prevent damage and promote healing. It could be used in an emergency department, by paramedics or on the battlefield to treat traumatic injuries. We are hopeful as we now work to begin our clinical trials."