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Potent cough suppression by physiologically active substance in human plasma.
Norio Akaike1, Yushi Ito, Sachie K Ogawa
1Research Division for Life Science, Kumamoto Health Science University, 325 Izumi-machi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto 861-5598, Japan. akaike@kumamoto-hsu.ac.jp.
Researchers discovered activated blood coagulation factor fXIa in human plasma has potent cough suppressing effects. This protein is a promising, safer alternative to codeine for treating coughs.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Human plasma contains numerous bioactive proteins with therapeutic potential.
- Many plasma proteins have unknown biological functions, yet some target the respiratory system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel human plasma components with therapeutic applications.
- To investigate potential antitussive properties of fractionated human plasma.
Main Methods:
- Heparin affinity chromatography was used to fractionate pooled human plasma.
- Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and MALDI-TOF-MS identified active fractions.
- Functional bioassays were performed using guinea-pig models to assess cough suppression.
Main Results:
- A specific plasma fraction demonstrated significant cough suppressing effects.
- This fraction was identified as activated blood coagulation factor fXIa.
- fXIa exhibited a cough suppressing potency one million times greater than codeine in animal models.
Conclusions:
- Activated blood coagulation factor fXIa is a potent antitussive agent.
- fXIa represents a promising new therapeutic candidate for cough suppression.
- This finding offers a potential alternative to current antitussives with significant side effects.
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