Swedish researchers have discovered that the body produces
its own internal antibiotic to help defend itself against
urinary tract infections.
Although it was once thought that urine passing through
the urinary tract prevented bacteria from accumulating in
its membranes, researchers at the Department of Micro-
biology, Tumour and Cell Biology at the Karolinska
Institutet in Stockholm have proven differently. Instead,
they found that the body produces an antibacterial peptide,
called LL-37, that helps prevent urinary tract infections
(UTIs).
"Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing problem,"
research leader and professor Annelie Brauner said in a
prepared statement. "As the development of resistance to
the body's own antibiotic is very rare, it can be used as
an alternative or a complement to conventional antibiotic
medication."
During the study, urine from healthy children and those
with UTIs was tested for levels of LL-37. Results showed
very low levels of LL-37 in the urine of healthy children,
but high levels in the urine of children with UTIs.
"We were able to show that LL-37 is produced in the
epithelial cells of the urinary tracts and the kidneys,
and that its build-up and secretion occur within a few
minutes after a bacterial attack," said Brauner.
Results of the study appear in the current issue of Nature
Medicine.
Nearly 60 percent of women will have a UTI in their life-
time, and 20 percent of them will have more than one. Up
to 40 percent of children who get a UTI will experience
kidney scarring from the infection.
"Urinary tract infection is not only painful for the
patient but also an economical burden to the individual
and society," Brauner said. "Our findings point to a new
way to prevent the development of urinary tract infection
by boosting the antibacterial peptide LL-37. For patients
suffering from recurrent urinary tract infection, attack
would quite simply be the best form of defense."
Krissy Zodda
Tri State Support Group Leader
http://www.geocities.com/tmladyk/home.html
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