Scientists have made global observations of the biological processes during an inflammation. By using so-called “Next Generation Genome Sequencing” they identified changes in gene expression in cells after an infection stimulus. Further, they analyzed the effect medications had on the inflammation resolution process. In control groups they tested a classical anti-inflammatory dexamethasone preparation, as well as a multi-target complex medication based on low dosed natural substances.
The inflammatory processes were studied on an infection that was artificially initiated by inhaling Lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Scientists took lung samples in six time intervals (0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 hours) and isolated the RNA. The readout of roughly 1.5 billion gene sequences allowed for e.g. detecting more than 400 inflammation induced changes in gene expression and splicing. On this basis, the researchers comprised complex process charts that visualize all relevant pathways and interactions.
Side effects in a biological system can be visualized
“With our study we were able to genomically map all involved biological networks and observed very accurately what happens during an inflammation and its treatment”, explains Dr. Bernd Seilheimer, Head of Bioregulatory Development at Biologische Heilmittel Heel GmbH in Baden-Baden, who commissioned the trial. “We now have clear scientific evidence that the body responds to a stressor with numerous reactions that interrelate within a self-regulating network.”
“Furthermore, we were able to see that immune suppression through a classical drug based on the single substance dexamethasone produces a series of changes in genes not usually perturbed during inflammation,” Dr. Seilheimer ads. “Thereby proteins were activated that could be responsible for undesired side effects. The immune response is forced down – but at an unknown physiological cost.”
Genomic research supports multi-target approach
The likewise tested multi-target combination medication based on low dosed natural substances displayed a different action profile. The body’s natural immune response remained intact but was modulated over time in a way that minimized undesired impacts. “Deep sequencing genomics has shown us that Systems Biology is the future of medicine. The reductionist singe-target approach is outdated. It is simply not comprehensive enough,” says Dr. Seilheimer.
Heel will continue to benefit intensively from modern genomics in addition to preclinical and clinical trials. Pioneering in scientific research helps the company to better understand diseases and their efficient treatment. Being the global leader in homeopathic combination preparations, Heel is continuously developing its portfolio of multi-target medications on the basis of low dosed natural substances. The goal is to support the natural inflammatory response of humans and animals in a bioregulatory manner.
