In new research, scientists have discovered a brand new type of cell hidden inside the delicate, branched passages of the human lung. According to a study published in the journal Nature, new found cells play an important role in maintaining the functioning of the respiratory system.Also read – Follow this high intensity interval training workout routine for weight loss
Studies show that respiratory airway secretory (RAS) cells are found in smaller branches called bronchioles. RAS cells are like stem cells. New RAS cells can repair damaged LVOLI cells and transform them into new ones. Also read – Explained: Miss Universe Harnaz Sandhu explained that she suffers from celiac disease, find out what is this disease and its treatment is available.
Researchers have discovered RAS cells after increasing frustration with the limitations of relying on rat lungs as a model for the human respiratory system. However, due to some differences between the two, scientists have struggled to fill some of the gaps in knowledge about the human lung. To better understand these differences at the cellular level, the team took lung tissue samples from healthy human donors and analyzed the genes inside individual cells, which previously revealed unidentified RAS cells. Living science Reported. Also read – What are some of the wonderful health benefits of Padmasana? Types and techniques explained
The team also found RAS cells in ferrets, whose respiratory system is more similar to that of humans than that of mice. As a result, researchers suspect that most mammals are more likely to have RAS cells in their lungs.
Researchers believe that RAS cells may play a key role in smoking-related diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is the result of inflammation of the airways inside the lungs, which can be caused by smoking and sometimes air pollution, according to the Mayo Clinic. Inflammation of the airways makes it difficult for the lungs to get enough oxygen properly; As a result, COPD has asthma-like symptoms. COPD can lead to emphysema, in which the alveoli are permanently destroyed, and chronic bronchitis, prolonged and severe cough is usually accompanied by an excessive cough. According to the World Health Organization, more than 3 million people worldwide die of COPD each year.
Theoretically, RAS cells should prevent or at least minimize the effects of COPD by repairing the damaged LVOL. However, researchers suspect that smoking may damage or even destroy new cells, leading to the onset of diseases such as COPD.
(The study was published online March 30 in the journal Nature)
