Beijing 6/18/2011 1:17:19 AM
News / Health & Wellness

Development of mesothelioma tied to altered protein cells

By: Daun Lee

Chinese researchers have been studying how cellular proteins cause some people exposed to asbestos to develop mesothelioma while others don’t.

Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that proves to fatal for most patients within 8 to 18 months. Inhaling asbestos fibers is the known cause of mesothelioma, and is present in numerous structures including residences and commercial buildings. People afflicted by this disease often receive compensatory damages if they retain a mesothelioma attorney.

The Chinese researchers are focusing on how cellular proteins direct cell activity. The researchers tested healthy mesothelial cells, healthy mesothelial cells that were exposed to asbestos, and malignant mesothelial cells. They then studied the protein cells of the all three. Their study concluded that asbestos exposure “has an extensive effect on regulatory pathways and networks” and that altered cells could help them determine who would be at a higher risk for developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma patients have few treatment options, so prevention is crucial. Mesothelioma has no cure and the treatments can be very expensive, but a mesothelioma attorney will work to obtain the funding patients need for treatment.

Use of asbestos has been regulated for a few decades because of the diseases the material is known to cause in people. Still many people around the world will contract asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma lawyers have applied their knowledge to win large settlements for clients who contract this type of cancer.