Regulation Of Inflammatory And Epithelial Responses In An Experimental Model Of Chronic Human Asthma
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$164,061.00
Summary
This project examines how chronic inflammation and scarring develop in the walls of the airways in asthma. The particular role of allergic mechanisms and of specific types of cells that are involved in allergic inflammation will be tested, using a much-improved mouse model of asthma. In this experimental model, which was developed by the investigators, sensitised mice are chronically exposed to low concentrations of aerosolised egg white protein. The proposed studies will involve comparisons wit ....This project examines how chronic inflammation and scarring develop in the walls of the airways in asthma. The particular role of allergic mechanisms and of specific types of cells that are involved in allergic inflammation will be tested, using a much-improved mouse model of asthma. In this experimental model, which was developed by the investigators, sensitised mice are chronically exposed to low concentrations of aerosolised egg white protein. The proposed studies will involve comparisons with animals that are genetically deficient in their ability to produce certain inflammation-related molecules, as well as with mice treated with antibodies to block the action of other such molecules.Read moreRead less
Understanding Corticosteroid-sensitive And -insensitive Pathways In Airway Remodelling
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$299,270.00
Summary
Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic disorders of the airways affecting millions of people worldwide. Airways become remodelled, or thickened, resulting in airway obstruction and decline in lung function. Approximately 400 asthmatics and 6000 COPD sufferers die in Australia each year. Worryingly, COPD is currently the fourth highest cause of death in Australia and this number is predicted to increase in the future. Unfortunately, the drugs currently available for c ....Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic disorders of the airways affecting millions of people worldwide. Airways become remodelled, or thickened, resulting in airway obstruction and decline in lung function. Approximately 400 asthmatics and 6000 COPD sufferers die in Australia each year. Worryingly, COPD is currently the fourth highest cause of death in Australia and this number is predicted to increase in the future. Unfortunately, the drugs currently available for combating these diseases have limited success. We need to understand how to control airway remodelling to be able to improve treatments for asthma and COPD. But first we require a greater understanding of the molecular mechanism-s underlying the development of airway remodelling. With this proposal we will increase our knowledge of the mechanistic basis of asthma and COPD and may elucidate novel therapeutic targets for future pharmacological intervention.Read moreRead less
Low oxygen levels during exercise occur in over half of all people with lung fibrosis and this is associated with poor outcomes. Low oxygen levels are sometimes treated by breathing extra oxygen during physical activity, but a lack of evidence has given rise to wide variations in practice and policy. This study will examine the benefits and costs of ambulatory oxygen therapy for people with lung fibrosis in a multi-site randomised controlled trial.
The Obstructive Sleep Apnoea syndrome (OSA) refers to a condition in which throat blockage occurs during sleep leading to breathing difficulties, including cessation of breathing for short periods of time. OSA is amongst the commonest chronic disorders of adult males, occurring in 5% of men over the age of 45 years. We will examine how muscles in the throat act to keep the airway open. We will also study how tongue and jaw position influences throat blockage. The throat is lined with fluid which ....The Obstructive Sleep Apnoea syndrome (OSA) refers to a condition in which throat blockage occurs during sleep leading to breathing difficulties, including cessation of breathing for short periods of time. OSA is amongst the commonest chronic disorders of adult males, occurring in 5% of men over the age of 45 years. We will examine how muscles in the throat act to keep the airway open. We will also study how tongue and jaw position influences throat blockage. The throat is lined with fluid which may become dry and sticky if, for example, breathing takes place via the mouth rather than the nose. We will study the effects of this throat lining fluid and examine ways in which treatments might help to avoid throat blockage during sleep by keeping the throat lined with non-sticky fluid. These studies will increase our understanding of OSA and help to design better treatments for the condition. People who have OSA also may develop high blood pressure associated with the nervous system response to breathing difficulties during sleep over a long period of time. In the same way as is used in the lie detector test, we will use measurements of the electrical conductivity of the skin to assess this nervous system response during sleep. These studies will help to understand how hypertension develops in OSA and who is likely to be affected. Asthma is a major health problem in Australia affecting around 20% of children and 12% of adults. Asthmatics react to inhaled pollens etc. The nose normally acts as a filter to remove many such particles from the inhaled air. If breathing takes place via the mouth more and larger particles can gain access to the lungs. We will investigate whether asthmatics breathe through their nose only or breathe through the mouth more than normal (particularly during sleep), if treatments can alter this and whether such treatments reduce the occurence of asthma attacks.Read moreRead less
Developing A Standard Dyspnea Challenge To Explore Mechanisms And Therapies In Clinical Populations
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$454,383.00
Summary
COPD is Australia's most burdensome respiratory disease with over 200,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Shortness of breath is a cardinal feature of this disease.This project will examine the mechanisms of this symptom in patients with chronic lung disease. Four studies will be completed in total, each exploring different factors that may contribute to shortness of breath observed in patients. This research is likely to lead to improved management of this distressing condition into the future.