So the body protects itself against urinary tract infections
Some people are more susceptible to bladder infections than others. Some are even searched at regular intervals, from urinary tract infections home. A Swiss research team has now found the cause for the increased susceptibility. A Protein seems to determine this difference.
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of technology Zurich (ETH Zurich) showed in a study how the body fends off bladder infections. The results suggest that a Protein called Uromodulin plays a key role in this. Only 70 percent of all people are in the position of this Protein in larger quantities to produce. The results were presented in the journal “Science”.
Bladder infections can be dangerous
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Urinary tract infections are not only annoying and painful, in the case of recurrent inflammation, the risk that resistant bacteria settle in the body, a bladder infection is currently treated mainly with antibiotics is. If left untreated, can result from urinary tract infections dangerous complications, for example blood poisoning, which can be life-threatening.
How is a bladder infection
Is triggered the infection in the majority of cases, by so-called uropathogene E. coli bacteria. This species of bacteria has numerous thread-like projections (Pili), with which the exciter brackets to the cells of the bladder, ureter or urethra and the inflammation set in motion.
Protective Protein discovered
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The Swiss research team decoded in the current study, as the Protein Uromodulin manage to prevent such inflammation. The Protein binds to the Pili (singular Pilus; Appendages outside the cell) of the bacteria, causing this not to the cells of the urinary tract can cling. “Although you knew already in advance that a bond takes place and that this contributes to the protective function, but further details are not known,” explains study, White, first author Gregory.
A Magnet for e. Coli bacteria
On the surface of the Uromodulin Protein specific sugar chains to which the thread-shaped projections of the E. Coli-reacting bacteria strongly and immediately in this bind. Just when Uromodulin is produced in large quantities, wrapped in the Protein literally the bacterium and makes it so harmless.
“So shielded, the bacteria can no longer bind to the cells in the urinary tract and, therefore, no infectious cause,” stresses White. The sheathed bacteria and proteins form large clumps, which are likely to be simply excreted in the urine, and describe the researchers.
Why suffer some again and again cystitis?
According to the research team, only about 70 percent of all people carry a Gene in their genome, which makes it possible that Uromodulin can be manufactured in larger quantities. People with this Gene have, accordingly, a smaller risk of a urinary tract infections.
Antibiotic-free treatment for cystitis is conceivable
The findings open a new approach for the treatment of a bladder infection. “Through our analysis, we now know that the bacteria are using their Pili to recognize in addition to the Mannose, other sugar in the Uromodulin,” adds doctoral student Jessica Stanisich from the study team. This let us to conclude that a treatment with combined sugar preparations, which could make the bacteria harmless. (vb)
Also read: Effective home remedies for bladder infection.