Muco-obstructive lung disease is a new classification under the diseases of respiratory tract. A lot of discussion is still going on regarding this new group of diseases. It is characterised by obstruction of the respiratory tract with a thick mucin ...
In muco-obstructive diseases, epithelial defects in ion–fluid transport, mucin secretion, or a combination of these lead to hyperconcentrated (dehydrated) mucus, failed mucus transport, and...
In muco-obstructive diseases hyper-concentrated (dehydrated) mucus, failed mucus transport, and mucus adhesion to airway surfaces is observed. Mucus in the small airways cannot be cleared by cough and accumulates, forming airflow obstruction, infection, and inflammation.
muco- Combining form meaning mucous, mucous (mucous membrane). See also: muci- [L. mucus] Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
In this article, we will see how muco-obstructive lung diseases affect the normal physiology of the respiratory system and how is it different from other obstructive and restrictive lung diseases.
A key step in muco-obstructive disease pathogenesis is the osmotic compression of the mucus layer onto the airway surface with the formation of adherent mucus plaques and plugs, particularly in distal airways.
These pathophysiological processes contribute to the development of muco-obstructive diseases including cystic fibrosis, or CF.
Biodegradable muco-adhesive particles (MAPs) and muco-penetrating particles (MPPs) have been engineered to achieve effective pulmonary delivery and extend drug residence time in the lungs. MAPs can be used to target mucus as they get trapped in airway mucus by steric obstruction and/or adhesion.
It has the potential to develop the understanding of muco-obstructive conditions, including determining therapeutic targets and assessing response to therapy. It also has diagnostic potential both for chronic and acute lung disease.