LONDON (Reuters) - Blocking sugar-sensitive "receptor" proteins can discourage inflammation, which plays a key role in allergies, asthma and so on. But the study had an intriguing side, according to researchers, that the inhalation of sugar may stimulate the immune system in the lung to fight infection or diseases.
The scientists have reached this conclusion after studying the effect of glucose in the cells of the immune system in the respiratory tract, the Independent newspaper reported.
"Short-term glucose inhalation may work one day," said Andrew McDonald, a professor at Manchester University.
The study, which was conducted in mice, looked into specialized white blood cells called "macrophages", cells that act as "cleaning bosoms" for the immune system, cleaning and "sweeping" harmful organisms and debris in the immune system.
The team at the University of Manchester found that the macrophages in the lungs needed an appropriate level of glucose or "fuel" to function properly, and found that excessive sugar stimulation leads to inflammation, often associated with chronic conditions such as asthma.