Scientists from Maryland's medical school have created a new protein medicine that can become an effective and safe antidote from carbon monoxide poisoning. The work was published in the Procheding magazine of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
The gas is released during fuel burning and danger in closed rooms – for example, with the faulty ventilation of the gas equipment, the operation of the gasoline generator or car in the garage. Now the oxygen therapy is used for treatment, but even after they nearly half of the survivors face long -term damage to the heart and brain.
The new drug, called Rcom-HBD-CCC, acts like a sponge, quickly removes a carbon monoxide from the blood. Its basis is Natural molecule RCOM – a protein that paraburkholderia xenovorans use to detect minimum carbon monoxide levels. Scientists have modified it to accurately stuff the carbon monoxide, without interfering with oxygen and other important molecules of the body.
In mice experiments, RCOM-HBD-CCC has quickly removed the gas from red blood cells and is excreted in urine. Moreover, it actually does not affect blood pressure, which distinguishes it from other protein detoxifications that can cause strong growth.
Mark Gladdvin is one of the authors of the work, which is likely to become a quick intravenous injection that can be introduced directly in the emergency department or even at the scene, Mr. Mark Gladdvin is one of the authors of the work.
The mechanism of action is due to the fact that carbon monoxide is hundreds of times stronger with hemoglobin compared to oxygen, replacing it and depriving the tissue with an important gas. The new drug blocks carbon monoxide molecules, releases hemoglobin and allows it to withstand oxygen again.
The authors believe that in the future, Rcom-HBD-CCC can be used not only against carbon monoxide poisoning, but also a component in the treatment of serious anemia, blood loss or conservation of organs before transplantation. However, additional studies will have to determine the optimal dosage and security for everyone.