Researchers from the University of Guelph say a liver enzyme that protects cells from damage could lead to development of new jaundice treatments.
Jaundice can severely affect new-born babies and older people. A new discovery by researchers from the University of Guelph could help avoid the same by providing a base for the development of new jaundice treatments.
Researchers from the university have discovered that a natural occurring liver enzyme called cytochrome P450 2A5, can protect cells from damage. According to Daniel Kim, a research technician in Guelph's Department of Biomedical Sciences, this discovery could lay the foundation for the development of new jaundice treatments.
The research paper published in the journal Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology also reveals that almost two out of three newborns contract jaundice and the use of ultraviolet light is the normal treatment for this disease, which doesn't always work. Severe case of jaundice can lead to permanent brain damage, cerebral palsy and hearing loss.
A person is diagnosed with jaundice when a substance called bilirubin collects in the blood. High levels of this substance in the blood can be toxic and can cause permanent brain damage. People who have liver disease or increased breakdown of red blood cells, as in malaria, are most likely to be infected with the disease. Cytochrome P450 2A5, the enzyme produced by the liver, breaks down this bilirubin and keeps the liver from dying.
The study was conducted on mice and researchers are yet to determine what level of Cytochrome P450 2A5 in the body is safe before developing any treatment or medicine for the disease.
