Influence Of Endothelin And Protease-activated Receptors On Eosinophil Trafficking In The Airways Of Allergic Mice
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$376,980.00
Summary
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease. This disease affects about 10% of the population, although its incidence in primary school-age children is as high as 30% in some cities. People suffering from asthma have very responsive (hyperresponsive) airways to substances which are usually innocuous. Many asthmatics are allergic to substances such as pollens, animal dander and house dust, which causes the airways of the asthma sufferer narrow, making breathing more difficult. The airways of as ....Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease. This disease affects about 10% of the population, although its incidence in primary school-age children is as high as 30% in some cities. People suffering from asthma have very responsive (hyperresponsive) airways to substances which are usually innocuous. Many asthmatics are allergic to substances such as pollens, animal dander and house dust, which causes the airways of the asthma sufferer narrow, making breathing more difficult. The airways of asthma sufferers also become inflamed and the resulting swelling of the airways and excess formation of mucous makes breathing difficult. Inflamed asthmatic airways contain large numbers of cells called eosinophils, which move from the blood into the airways. Substances released from the eosinophils are thought to damage the airways and cause airways hyperresponsiveness. We have developed a mouse model of allergic inflammation which has many of the hallmark features of asthma, including high numbers of eosinophils and hyperresponsive airways. We have recently shown that these effects are inhibited by treatment of allergic mice with a drug called SB217242. SB217242 inhibits the actions of endothelin, a peptide that is produced in elevated amounts in the airways of asthma sufferers and which may produce many of the effects associated with asthma. We wish to investigate the mechanisms through which SB217242 and drugs which stimulate novel protease-activated receptors inhibits the increase in eosinophil numbers in the airways. We will investigate the possibility that these drugs inhibit the migration of eosinophils from the blood into the airways, using a unique microscope that allows us to visualize the movement of eosinophils into tissues such as the airways. These studies are likely to be of considerable strategic value in determining the potential usefulness of these drugs in the treatment of asthma.Read moreRead less
Airway Epithelial Barrier Function, Asthma And Aero-allergen Sensitization.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$527,886.00
Summary
There is a strong association between allergy and asthma. This association been almost universally assumed to be causative. However, recent evidence suggests an alternative explanation ie., that the abnormal epithelium in asthma allows or facilitates sensitization to airborne allergens. This project will test this alternative hypothesis using human lung tissue and an animal model.
Reference Values For Spirometry, Lung Volumes, Diffusing Capacity, And Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide In First Nations Australians
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$83,832.00
Summary
Reference values in lung function tests allow respiratory doctors to accurately interpret results in order to effectively diagnose, treat and manage respiratory disease. Currently, reference values do not exist for First Nations adults. I will recruit 600 healthy First Nations adults from communities in Queensland and the Northern Territory for several lung function tests. Data collected will be submitted to the Global Lung Function Initiative to be incorporated into future guidelines.
Disovery Of New Airway Epithelial Genes Regulating Allergic Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$446,934.00
Summary
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs that affects over 10% of all Australians. A number of drugs are currently available for the treatment of asthma, but there are many people whose asthma does not respond well to treatment. We have identified 2 genes, aP2 and mal1, that may be important in the development of asthma. Drugs targeted against these genes may be useful in the treatment of asthma. In this project, we aim to understand how aP2 and mal1 contribute to disease development.
Centre For Clinical Research Excellence In Respiratory And Sleep Medicine
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,200,000.00
Summary
The CCRE will enhance Australia's international research reputation in clinical respiratory and sleep medicine by enhancing links between hospital-based investigators. This will foster development of new clinical researchers in these fields. Major research projects will include reducing side effects of asthma therapy in the elderly, better and cheaper ways of diagnosing disorders such as sleep apnoea and blood clots in the lung, keeping patients with chronic lung diseases out of hospital and avo ....The CCRE will enhance Australia's international research reputation in clinical respiratory and sleep medicine by enhancing links between hospital-based investigators. This will foster development of new clinical researchers in these fields. Major research projects will include reducing side effects of asthma therapy in the elderly, better and cheaper ways of diagnosing disorders such as sleep apnoea and blood clots in the lung, keeping patients with chronic lung diseases out of hospital and avoiding accidents due to lack of sleep.Read moreRead less
A Randomised Controlled Trial To Prevent Eczema, Food Allergy And Sensitisation Using A Skin Barrier Improvement Strategy
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$878,163.00
Summary
In this world first study, we will test if building the infant skin barrier by using daily regular skin care treatment can reduce the incidence of eczema. If successful, this trial will alter infant skin care practices and reduce the burden of allergic diseases in our community. Furthermore, as infants with eczema having a poor skin barrier, which possibly increases their risk of developing sensitisation, we will test if this intervention reduces the risk of food allergy.