Tag: respiratory system Page 1 of 2

How can a weight-loss drug fight sleep apnea?

On June 27, 2025

In muscular system, nervous system, respiratory system

Teachable moment in classrooms:

respiratory system chapter – anatomy of the upper airways
muscular system chapter – anatomy of the muscles of the tongue and pharynx
nervous system chapter – location of satiety center in the hypothalamus

The news item: Recently the following report appeared online:

FDA approves weight loss drug Zepbound for sleep apnea

Zepbound, Eli Lilly’s weight loss drug, can now be used to treat obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity, the FDA said.

The report states that 39 million adults with obesity in the USA might benefit from this drug treatment. Studies showed that Zepbound significantly reduced the obstruction events in patients. The article also provides a brief description of apnea events, and alternative treatment methods of sleep apnea.

So, Why Do I Care?? Sleep apnea, or more precisely, obstructive sleep apnea, is a sleep disorder that affects millions of adults in the US who suffer from obesity. Those people are not just losing sleep, but are at higher risk for several cardiovascular diseases, and for daytime sleepiness. While there are limitations (such as side effects) to the wide use of this drug treatment, it adds to the list of possible treatment options physicians can subscribe.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about sleep apnea. Apnea is a brief closure of the airways where the closure stops air from getting into the lungs. The lower portion of our airways have solid cartilage framework (trachea, bronchi), so narrowing rarely occurs; it is always open, like a steel pipe. However, in the upper airways (mouth, soft palate) we have muscles that surround those airways, and the inappropriate relaxation of the muscles can lead to closure of the upper airway; imagine putting on a sock: it’s easy when we open it up with our fingers, but it’s harder to put our toes through it when the sock is collapsed on the floor. The loss of oxygen flow awakens the person, and repeated instances of apnea leads to poor quality sleep.

Second, let’s talk about throat muscles. Skeletal muscles in the throat (anatomically called pharynx) and in the soft palate (by specific names: the tensor palatini, levator palatini muscles), and in the tongue

Can we really get pneumonia just by inhaling water mist?

By admin

On May 24, 2025

In cellular basis of life, lymphatic and immune system, microbiology, respiratory system

Teachable moment in classrooms:

microbiology – Legionella bacterium
lymphatic and immune system chapter – development and role of macrophages in immune defense
respiratory system chapter – cells that make up the alveoli
cellular basis of life chapter – functions of lysosomes

The news item: Recently the following article appeared online:

3 dead in Legionnaire’s disease outbreak at New York assisted living facility

Since the discovery of Legionella bacteria at the Albany facility, 20 people have been hospitalized and three of those who tested positive have died.

The article states that at the time of the writing of the report 3 people have already died from Legionnaire’s disease in an assisted living facility, and that the infection likely spread to residents by them inhaling mist contaminated by the Legionella bacterium.

So, Why Do I Care?? While the name “Legionnaire’s disease” make it sound like it has an uncommon occurrence, but this bacterial infection, and the pneumonia it causes, is responsible for over 10,000 yearly hospitalizations in the USA. The bacterium specifically disables macrophages, so understanding how this happens may help us design pharmaceuticals or other interventions to help infected people, and to apply this knowledge to other disorders where macrophages have a role.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about how macrophages are involved in the defense of our lungs. We find resident macrophages in the lumen of the cup-shaped, microscopic alveoli of the lungs. Macrophages there internalize, phagocytose, microorganisms that invaded the alveoli. The internalization brings the microbes into microscopic bubbles called phagosomes, and once that phagosome fuse with a lysosome full of acid and digestive enzymes, the microbes will be digested into their molecular components. To picture a macrophage in action, imagine a vacuum cleaner where the microbes are “internalized” into a vacuum cleaner bag (the phagosome) which would be merging with a zip-lock bag full of acid and digestive enzymes. Digesting viruses, bacteria, fungi keep the alveoli free of harmful microbes.

Second, let’s talk about how Legionella bacterium infects macrophages. Once inside the phagosome, the Legionella bacteria delay the fusion with the lysosome, and that delay gives enough time for the bacteria

How does the antiviral drug Paxlovid fight the Sars-CoV-2 corona virus

By admin

On March 16, 2023

In cellular basis of life, microbiology, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 03172023

Teachable moment in classrooms:

chemical basis of life chapter – proteins can be cut by hydrolysis using proteases
cellular basis of life chapter – transmembrane proteins can serve as receptors
cellular basis of life chapter – RNA is translated into proteins on ribosomes
microbiology – lifecycle of RNA viruses

The news item: Recently this news appeared online

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2022/jul/23/bidens-health-improving-after-second-day-paxlovid-/

The article states that President Biden received Paxlovid treatment after his diagnosis of COVID infection. The article doesn’t explain anything about Paxlovid itself.

So, Why Do I Care?? At the time of writing this blog post the number of COVID infections numbered 765 million with 6.78 million deaths worldwide. There is a small number of people (less than 1% of infections) who suffer serious health consequences, and even die because of this virus. Early intervention, such as the use of oral antiviral drugs is a promising way to prevent the development of serious illness. The way Paxlovid acts may provide a template on how antiviral drugs may treat other virus-borne illnesses.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about why corona viruses can cause so much damage to our bodies. Corona viruses is an organism that can not multiply without a cell hosting it. In order to multiply, corona viruses hijack the RNA making and the protein-making capacities of the host cell. Viral hijacking means that the host cell can not make RNA and proteins for the host’s own use, and the host cell dies as a consequence of the infection. Therefore, the main direct damage from corona virus infection is the killing of our own cells.

Second, let’s talk about how Sars-CoV-2 hijacks cells. Once a corona virus enters a living host cell, the long RNA of the virus snatches the ribosomes of the host cell, and is transcribed into a long, viral

How can the drug Tabrecta slow down oncogene action in lung cancer?

By admin

On April 28, 2022

In cellular basis of life, respiratory system, tissues

TeachableMedicalNews article 04282022

Teachable moment in classrooms:

cellular basis of life chapter – concept of one gene, one protein
cellular basis of life chapter – concept of gene mutation leading to protein malfunction
cellular basis of life chapter – mitosis (somatic cell division) is stimulated from outside of the cell
tissue chapter – epithelium types in the respiratory system
respiratory system chapter – epithelial lining of the airways

The news item: Recently this news item appeared online about a new treatment for lung cancer:

New hope for patients with lung cancer

FDA approves Tabrecta™, a new treatment option, for adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer

The report states that lung cancer is the leading cause of death among cancers, and that there will be about 228,000 new diagnoses in the USA each year. The article also states that the drug Tabrecta helps patients to fight non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), that the drug works especially well against cancers driven by a Met exon 14 skipping mutation, and that each year about 4,000- 5,000 people in the USA are diagnosed with this subtype of NSCLC.

So, Why Do I Care?? Lung cancer is a deadly disease, so finding new treatment options improves the chance of survival when traditional treatments may not work, and, thus, lengthens the survival time after the diagnosis. Another reason to care is that this drug acts specifically on cancer cells that carry a particular genetic change, so this ability improves targeted attack on cancer cells, and avoid attacking the normal cells of the body.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about just what NSCLC is. The NSCLC name represents a type of relatively slow-growing lung cancers that start in the mucous glands of the airways, or in the simple

How can a catheter device seal an unwanted open blood vessel near the heart of prematurely born babies?

By admin

On February 26, 2021

In cardiovascular system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 02262021

Teachable moment in classrooms:

heart chapter – aorta and pulmonary trunk around the heart
blood vessel anatomy chapter – blood vessels at the start of the pulmonary and systemic circulations
blood vessel anatomy chapter – modified blood circulations in the fetus
respiratory system chapter – blood vessel carrying blood to and from lungs

The news item: the following report was published recently,

FDA approves new closure device for heart defect in premature babies

One out of 10 of all babies are born premature.

The article states that every year about 12,000 very low birthweight premature babies develop a disorder called patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), and that the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder device seals an opening between two blood vessels.

So, Why Do I Care?? As the article stated 12,000 prematurely born low birthweight babies can be helped by this device. Imagine a tiny newborn whose lungs are not working properly, because not enough blood flows to the lungs. Such respiratory distress is life threatening, so a new device can give those newborns a much better chance for survival.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about what the ductus arteriosus is. The ductus arteriosus is a quarter-inch long blood vessel that connects the aorta and the pulmonary trunk near the heart. Imagine that the pulmonary

How does a new antibiotic called Xenleta fight bacterial infections?

By admin

On October 9, 2020

In cellular basis of life, chemical basis of life, lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 10092020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

chemical basis of life chapter – proteins are made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
cellular basis of life chapter – protein synthesis on ribosome
respiratory system chapter – alveoli location and function
immune system chapter – events during inflammation
microbiology – bacterial resistance against antibiotics

The news item: Recently the news of a novel antibiotic was reported:

FDA approves new antibiotic for bacterial pneumonia

A new antibiotic has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It’s called Xenleta and the FDA says it’s another treatment option to fight a common type of pneumonia.

The article states that the new antibiotic, Xenleta, is a pleuromutilin, and it fights community acquired bacterial pneumonia.

So, Why Do I Care??

Pneumonia is the reason for 1 million hospitalizations and 50,000 deaths each year in the US. Most pneumonia cases are caused by bacterial infections. Because this disease can get worse quickly, efficient treatment must include the killing of the bacteria that cause the disease. Any new antibiotic that can treat people whose pneumonia resists the regular antibiotics likely to save thousands of lives each year.

Plain English, Please!!!

First, let’s talk about what bacterial pneumonia is. When the deepest portion of our respiratory system, the alveoli (air sacks), are attacked by bacteria, the result is local

How can an oral drug successfully treat the genetic disorder cystic fibrosis?

By admin

On August 14, 2020

In cellular basis of life, chemical basis of life, digestive system, respiratory system, Uncategorized

TeachableMedicalNews article 08142020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

chemical basis of life chapter – protein structure and shape is important for proper function
cellular basis of life chapter – ion channel proteins in plasma membrane
cellular basis of life chapter – concept of gene mutation leading to protein malfunction
cellular basis of life chapter – involvement of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum apparatus in protein processing

tissue chapter –function of ciliated epithelium
respiratory system chapter – anatomy of the conduction zone
respiratory system chapter – the lining of bronchi and bronchioles

The news item: Recently a new treatment was reported for cystic fibrosis:

Studies Yield ‘Impressive’ Results in Fight Against Cystic Fibrosis (Published 2019)

The findings hold promise for a vast majority of those with cystic fibrosis, according to the director of the National Institutes of Health. “This should be a cause for major celebration,” he wrote.

The article mentions that cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder, and it affects the lungs and bowels of the patients.

So, Why Do I Care?? Over 30,000 people in the USA has cystic fibrosis, and 1000 new cases are diagnosed each year. The mean life expectancy is age 44 for cystic fibrosis patients. Only symptomatic treatments have been available until now, because gene therapy has been unsuccessful. Any treatment that reverses the root cause of this disorder is a revolutionary achievement that will literally breathe new life into patients.

Plain English, Please!!! First let’s talk about cystic fibrosis. This disorder causes

Can a self-injected treatment help asthma sufferers?

By admin

On July 26, 2020

In cardiovascular system, cellular basis of life, chemical basis of life, respiratory system, tissues

TeachableMedicalNews article 07262020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

chemical basis of life chapter – protein structure determines biological activity
cellular basis of life chapter – concept of receptor proteins in cell membranes
tissue chapter – locations of smooth muscle
immune system chapter – cytokines as stimulators of immune functions
cardiovascular system chapter – white blood cell types in circulating blood
respiratory system chapter – dilation and constriction of bronchioles

The news item: Recently a new form of asthma treatment was in the news:

‘Life-changing’ asthma injection will be offered to patients

Around 100,000 patients in the UK whose symptoms are too bad for traditional inhalers or steroids will be eligible for treatment with benralizumab.

The article mentions the disorder eosinophilic asthma, that it is caused by too many white blood cells in the lungs, and that this asthma limits what sufferers may do in their day to day lives.

So, Why Do I Care?? Asthma is a respiratory disorder that afflicts 2.5 million people in the USA. In the age group of 35-50 year olds the eosinophilic asthma is the most frequent. Inhaled pharmaceuticals, common for asthma treatment, come with undesirable side effects after long-term use. Attacking asthma from a different angle provide a new way to treat patients, and it may help people where inhaled asthma treatments fail.

Plain English, Please!!! First, let’s talk about asthma. While asthma may be started by different conditions, like allergies, cold temperature, the root cause of asthma is always the unwanted restriction of airflow into the lungs. An important part of our respiratory system is made up of tubes that channel air deep into our lungs, to the air sacks. A set of those tubes, the bronchioles, are 1/20 of an inch in diameter, and they have the ability to narrow and restrict airflow, because the bronchioles have smooth muscle in their walls. When those smooth muscles contract, the narrowed bronchiole restricts airflow to the air sacks.

Could antibodies from plasma of recovered patients defeat the SARS-CoV-2 virus?

By admin

On June 4, 2020

In lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 06042020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

cell chapter – endocytosis and phagocytosis as transport through cell membranes
blood chapter – white blood cell types and their functions
respiratory system chapter – alveoli as the sites of gas exchange
respiratory system chapter – macrophages of alveoli
lymphatic and immune system chapter – antibody structure
lymphatic and immune system chapter – antibodies are made for specific targets

The news item: Recently reports appeared where blood plasma taken from recovered patients are given to seriously ill COVID-19 patients:

Blood plasma appears safe for COVID-19 patients in early trial results

Researchers report promising results in early safety trials of convalescent plasma therapy, in which the blood of COVID-19 survivors is used to treat patients.

The article mentions that antibodies in the plasma are the active ingredient, and that 5000 patients were evaluated in this trial to determine the safety of such treatment.

So, Why Do I Care?? Have you been living under a rock in the last few months??? The coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the COVID-19 disease has so far infected over 6 million people, and caused over 377,000 deaths worldwide (on the date of this article). The virus attacks the respiratory system, specifically the alveoli, and may cause pneumonia and death by respiratory failure. The antibodies from the recovered patients hold promise as a possible treatment to lower the lethality of the virus.

How could the antiproliferative drug Jakafi help us defeat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?

By admin

On May 7, 2020

In cardiovascular system, lymphatic and immune system, respiratory system

TeachableMedicalNews article 05072020

Teachable moment in classrooms:

blood chapter – white blood cell types and their functions
blood chapter – hematopoiesis in red bone marrow
respiratory system chapter – alveoli as the sites of gas exchange
respiratory system chapter – immune defense cells of alveoli
lymphatic and immune system chapter – events of inflammation

How could the anti-proliferative drug Jakafi help us defeat the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus?

The news item: Recent articles reported that the anti-proliferative drug will be evaluated as potential treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients:

Incyte drug could be part of COVID-19 treatment

A global biopharmaceutical company based in Delaware is working to get one of its drugs approved to treat the new coronavirus disease. Officials at Incyte…

The news item mentions that the drug may inhibit cytokine storm in coronavirus infected patients.