If cystic fibrosis cannot yet be cured, a mushroom treatment could revolutionize the lives of patients.
According to figures from the Foundation for Medical Research, more than 7,000 people suffer from cystic fibrosis in France. And each year, it would be more than 200 newborns who would be affected by the disease. However, to date there is no treatment to cure it completely.
Thanks to recent discoveries, researchers are now able to reduce the symptoms of the disease. The patients lead an almost normal life but without seeing the disease disappear from their body. However, a new avenue of reflection could make it possible tonaturally eliminate the factors responsible for cystic fibrosis.
And for that, it would be enoughuse an edible mushroom. This is what emerges from a promising study published in the specialized journal Molecular Therapy.
How can a mushroom help treat disease?
To fully understand the role of the fungus, one must understand the origin of the disease. Although cystic fibrosis can have several origins, one of them is a dysfunction of a gene linked to the disease. When this gene is impacted, the production of a protein essential to our body is impossible. This is referred to as a “non-sense” mutation.
However, researchers have discovered that it is possible to treat this nonsense mutation by injecting a specific molecule into the body. Indeed, this makes it possible to restart the production of the impacted protein and this without being impacted by the mutation. The molecule in question is nicknamed DAP (or di-amino-purine).
But the researchers then wanted to know where to find this molecule. They were then surprised to learn that she was naturally present in the Flaccid lepistaan edible but tasteless mushroom.
A potentially effective treatment for 10% of patients with cystic fibrosis
At present, the fungus in question has only been tested on a sample of infected cells. However, the researchers are optimistic about the potential extension of this treatment to human patients. Nevertheless, an important criterion must be taken into account.
In effect, the so-called “non-sense” mutation affects only 10% of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. In fact, it may not be suitable for all patients. But it represents real hope for researchers. Especially since the latter specify that the molecule can be administered orally, currently has no side effects and is active in just two hours.
This would limit the risk of adverse effects on the body while effectively treating patients. However, it will take several more clinical trials before the mushroom treatment is officially approved and administered.