Lung Disease Treatment Can Become More Effective

14:58, November 3, 2021

Natural biologically active substances of a wide action spectrum will help with this

A dangerous disease, acute lung injury syndrome (ALIS), is very likely to affect people during mass viral outbreaks, RIA Novosti reports. It leads to a high mortality rate and is still considered difficult to cure. Scientists of Ural Federal University with colleagues from other countries have found a way to effectively influence the treatment of ALIS using natural biologically active substances of broad-spectrum effect. According to experts, these substances are more effective than synthetic analogues. The study was published in the International Immunopharmacology journal.

Acute lung injury syndrome is a pathology of the external respiratory system, which causes pulmonary edema and reduces blood oxygen saturation. The disease can occur after surgery, such as heart or aortic surgery. According to the authors of the study, ALIS can also be triggered by influenza A virus and, most likely, coronavirus.

Specialists have studied naturally occurring substances isoflavonoids and found that they inhibit the development of inflammation. In addition, they have a complex therapeutic effect on the human body with anti-diabetic, immunostimulating, anticarcinogenic and anti-ageing effects. Isoflavonoids are a class of phenolic flavonoid compounds, many of which are biologically active substances. They are also sometimes called phytoestrogens.

"There are synthetic and natural isoflavonoids. Synthetic ones have less biological activity compared to the complex of natural ones. We extract isoflavonoids from kudzu flowers and roots, red clover flowers and soy molasses," commented Elena Kovaleva, professor of the Department of Organic Synthesis Technology at UrFU.

As part of the study, scientists experimentally reproduced ALIS on laboratory animals and identified isoflavonoids with therapeutic effect: it biochanin A, daidzein, genistein and genistein-3'-sulfonate sodium and formonentin.

According to the experts, they have also developed a safe and non-toxic way to produce isoflavonoids.

"Together with our colleagues, we are testing isoflavonoid extracts on cells and lung tissue of laboratory animals. For this purpose, our research group develops and uses natural aqueous mixtures of non-toxic organic compounds - NADES. They are called "green" solvents or solvents of the 21st century," said professor Kovaleva.

"Green" technologies for the extraction of isoflavonoids from various raw materials are more environmentally friendly and bioavailable in contrast to the synthetic method of obtaining them, experts say.

The studied substances, in addition to the treatment and prevention of ALIS, can be used in the combined therapy of cancer, type 2 diabetes, as well as to apply for the general enhancement of immunity and in anti-age therapy. In addition, researchers at UrFU are developing functional foods with isoflavonoids and other natural actioxidants: cheeses and fermented vegetable yogurts.

Colleagues from India, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia also took part in the study.