Even if you are not a respiratory researcher, you may be rather impressed by the efficient working of the human lungs. On average, the lungs weigh less than three pounds altogether, yet healthy individuals take about 17,000 breaths a day. It is a natural step for researchers to look at human lung tissue as they explore treatment options and cures for common respiratory diseases.
Importance of Biospecimens of Human Lung Tissue
Biospecimens of lung tissue provide researchers with samples to study lung diseases on both the molecular and cellular levels. Recruiting tissue donors isn’t such an easy process. However, to be able to analyze and research medical interventions on behalf of patients whose lungs are diseased or failing is imperative.
Research continues on a global level as researchers dedicate themselves to discovering ways to keep the lungs healthy longer as well as learning how to help regenerate lungs that have started failing. Where do these biospecimens of human lung tissue come from? Many times, it comes from patients who are getting ready for lung surgery. Patients often agree to allow surgeons to collect blood and tissue from what would typically be discarded after surgery. Most patients are suffering from COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), interstitial fibrotic lung disease, or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Some suffer from other conditions such as pulmonary hypertension and cystic fibrosis. Of course, samples are only taken from patients who give their consent.
Studying Human Lung Tissue Samples
A whole team of professionals works together once a sample of human lung tissue is secured. Together, they glean as much information as possible. Lab techs, data coordinators, and radiologists all play a role in assessing the human lung tissue. When possible, they study live tissue samples as it provides insight into what happens as the tissues start to break down. The goal is to discover ways to prevent the breakdown from occurring. The more tissue donors, the better it is for researchers who are studying the various stages of lung diseases. Having access to human lung tissue taken from healthy adults provides an important comparison. By analyzing the different types of lung tissue samples, researchers hope to be able to find the point lungs become diseased so they can try to head it off.
Why the Study of Lung Tissue is Important
The NIH (National Institutes of Health) places great importance on the study of lung tissue. Currently, about 20% of all deaths can be linked to lung disease. Lung disease is likely to reach the third leading cause of death and disability soon. Lung tissue research is needed to be able to better predict diseases before symptoms begin as well as discovering and designing new treatment options.
The good news is that the respiratory community has recently made great progress in pulmonary science. There may not be just a single reason for the progress, but it is certain that having access to lung tissue samples plays a large and important role. Researchers find the answers they need by studying lung tissue at the molecular level. Recent advances in molecular biology are redefining pulmonary diseases. Just one example is that molecular markers are now useful for diagnosing respiratory infections, antitrypsin deficiency, and cystic fibrosis. Without access to lung tissue, none of this would be possible.
Final Thoughts
There remains much to learn from respiratory research and human lung tissue samples continue to play a large role. Through the study of tissue, the scientific community can learn more about the many different causes of lung diseases. With this invaluable knowledge, preventing respiratory diseases can take huge steps in the right direction as well as the discovery of effective treatment options.
Resources
https://www.who.int/health-topics/chronic-respiratory-diseases#tab=tab_1
https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/46/5/1270
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/10/211020135905.htm
https://www.novartis.com/diseases/respiratory-disease-research-novartis
