Dnase | Health Encyclopedia: Dnase

Dnase: From 1 Different Sources

n. an enzyme that catalyses the cleavage of DNA. A genetically engineered form, recombinant human DNAse (dornase alfa), is used in the treatment of *cystic fibrosis to reduce the viscosity of the sticky secretions in the lungs. Administered by inhalation via a jet nebulizer, it appears to hydrolyse extracellular DNA that accumulates with other neutrophil debris in the airways. Trade name: Pulmozyme.

Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Cystic Fibrosis

(fibrocystic disease of the pancreas, mucoviscidosis) a hereditary disease affecting cells of the exocrine glands (including mucus-secreting glands, sweat glands, and others). The faulty gene responsible for the most common form of the disease has been identified as lying on chromosome no. 7 and is recessive, i.e. both parents of the patient can be *carriers without being affected by the disease. Affected individuals have abnormalities in a protein, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), that enables the transport of chloride ions across cell membranes: this results in the production of thick mucus, which obstructs the intestinal glands (causing meconium *ileus in newborn babies), pancreas (causing deficiency of pancreatic enzymes resulting in *malabsorption and *failure to thrive), and bronchi (causing *bronchiectasis). Respiratory infections, which may be severe, are a common complication. Common agents include *Haemophilus, *Pseudomonas, *Staphylococcus, and Burkholderia cepacia. The sweat contains excessive amounts of sodium and chloride, which is an aid to diagnosis.

Treatment consists of minimizing the effects of the disease by administration of pancreatic enzymes and physiotherapy for the lungs and by preventing and combating secondary infection. Sputum viscosity can be reduced by nebulized recombinant human *DNAse. *Genetic counselling is essential, as each subsequent child of carrier parents has a one in four chance of being affected (see also mouthwash test; preimplantation genetic diagnosis). Some patients are benefiting from revolutionary new treatments, including transplantation of heart and lungs and treatment aimed at altering the genetic content of the faulty cells (see gene therapy).... cystic fibrosis

Mucolytic

n. an agent that dissolves or breaks down mucus. Mucolytics such as carbocisteine and dornase alfa (see DNAse) break down mucus in sputum and thus facilitate its expectoration; they are used to treat chest conditions involving excessive or thickened mucus secretions.... mucolytic

Dnase Health Dictionary

Dnase: From 1 Different Sources

Cystic Fibrosis

Dornase Alfa

Mucolytic

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