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Is bronchial asthma a pancreatic disease?
1Department of Pharmacology, National Center for Scientific Research, Cubanacán, Ciudad Habana, Cuba.
Medical Hypotheses
|June 1, 1995
Summary
Bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus rarely coexist. Researchers hypothesize that the balance between insulin and glucagon hormones may influence the development of bronchial asthma.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Bronchial asthma and diabetes mellitus are common conditions that infrequently occur together.
- The underlying mechanism for this observed mutual exclusion remains unclear.
- Existing evidence suggests complex roles for insulin and glucagon in inflammation and respiratory function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential relationship between plasma insulin and glucagon levels and their role in bronchial asthma.
- To investigate the physiopathology underlying the infrequent co-occurrence of asthma and diabetes mellitus.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and experimental evidence.
- Hypothesis formulation based on existing data.
Main Results:
- Insulin is suggested to be a pro-inflammatory hormone.
- Glucagon is proposed to have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between insulin and glucagon may be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms involved.