Allergy Could Go Away With Vitamin D

An allergy to common mould that often attacks patients with Cystic Fibrosis, or worsen asthma symptoms could be treated therapeutically with Vitamin D, claims a research study.

Dr. Jay Kolls, Professor and Chair of Genetics at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, and colleagues wanted to identify the factors that determine why only some develop the allergy and what factors regulate tolerance or sensitisation to the mould resulting in the development of ABPA (Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis).

Allergy - Causes - Symptoms - Diagnosis - Treatment - FAQs - Videos
An allergy is a hypersensitive disorder of immune system. Substances that often cause allergic reactions are pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, food, insect stings and medicines.

The environmental mould is one of the most prevalent fungal organisms inhaled by people. In asthmatics and in patients with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), it can cause significant allergic symptoms.

CF causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, leads to infection, and blocks the pancreas, which stops digestive enzymes from reaching the intestine where they are required in order to digest food.

The researchers discovered that heightened Th2 (the hormonal messengers of T-helper cells that produce an allergic response) reactivity in the ABPA group correlated with a lower average blood level of vitamin D.

Cystic Fibrosis - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Support Groups
Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease involving the mucus and sweat glands and the medical world has still to find its cure

"We found that adding vitamin D not only substantially reduced the production of the protein driving an allergic response, but it also increased production of the proteins that promote tolerance," notes Kolls.

"The next step in our research is to conduct a clinical trial to see if vitamin D can be used to treat or prevent this complication of asthma and Cystic Fibrosis," Kolls said.

Asthma - Factors, Common Allergens, Diagnosis, Treatment, Support Groups, FAQs
It's a lung condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi and constriction of the airways that result in coughing, wheezing or breathlessness. Allergy and other airway irritants can trigger it

The work will be published in September 2010 issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation.

Source-ANI

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