Researchers at the Butantan Institute in Brazil have identified a substance extracted from fish venom that has effective properties to treat asthma. Several studies by the entity have pointed to the particle as a potential candidate to successfully treat some chronic inflammatory diseases.
The scientists conducted tests on three groups of animals with asthma, some were treated with the TnP particle, others with dexamethasone, which is the drug used to combat the disease, and the third was given a placebo.
In animals treated with TnP, they presented a 75% reduction in the number of cells that cause inflammation and damage to lung tissues, the substance reduced the number of eosinophils by 100%, which are responsible for inflammation in half of the cases. asthma patients.
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In addition, the treatment with the protein did not have any adverse effect, contrary to conventional therapies, international media reported on the scientific entity.
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The results of the study to treat respiratory disease with the TnP protein, derived from the venom of the pale tip toadfish (“Thalassophryne nattereri”), known as niquim in Brazil, were highlighted in an article published in the latest edition of the scientific journal Cells.
The niquim is a poisonous fish that inhabits the Atlantic coast between northeastern Brazil and northwestern Colombia, which usually hides in holes in the sand and survives up to 18 hours out of the water. Its bite causes sharp pain, a burning sensation, swelling, and tissue necrosis.