Host defence genes in COPD: a multicentre study

Funding Activity

Website
http://purl.org/au-research/grants/nhmrc/198403

Funding Status
Closed

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Funded Activity Summary

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung condition caused by cigarette smoking. COPD consists of emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which lead to worsening breathlessness, cough and sputum production and need for oxygen. COPD is the third highest cause of burden of disease to the community in Australia and the fourth leading cause of death. People with COPD suffer many chest infections, which need antibiotics and offer need admission to hospital. However there is much variability in the pattern of COPD related to infections. Natural chemicals produced by the body that fight infection are likely to be involved in this variability. Recently it has been discovered that there are variations in the genetic sequence of the genes that code for these chemicals. These genetic variations change the structure of the chemicals or the rate at which they are produced. Therefore it is highly likely that these genetic variations may influence the risk of developing COPD, and the risk of getting infections. In this study, we aim to systematically examine how these genetic variations alter the development of COPD and the risk of infections. At the start, we will collect a blood sample and phlegm (sputum) specimen from each person. The results of the genetic tests will then be compared to the risk of developing COPD, the chemicals produced and the risk of infection. We believe this study will improve our understanding of how COPD and its complications develop, leading to better treatment for this condition in the future.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2002

End Date: 01-01-2002

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $120,440.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Respiratory Diseases

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

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Other Keywords

acute exercerbations | chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) | molecular genetics | respiratory infection | respiratory infections

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