Participants wanted for asthma study
Researchers from the University of Newcastle’s Priority Research Centre for Healthy Lungs are undertaking a study into inflammation in asthma.
With one in ten adults expected to be diagnosed with asthma in their lifetime, asthma is a major health issue.
Caused by inflammation in the airways, asthma results in breathlessness and, in severe cases, can lead to persistent inflammation.
Led by Professor Jodie Simpson, this study will investigate how white blood cells in blood and sputum function and determine whether it is possible to improve their function by treating them with a protein called Galectin-3.
Galectin-3 is an inflammatory protein found in white blood cells which is important for the proper functioning of these cells but has been found to be deficient in some patients with severe asthma.
This study is looking at how the levels of the protein differs between individuals with and without asthma.
Researchers are hoping to understand why the function of white blood cells is impaired in some patients.
This study could potentially be a step forward to finding a new treatment for severe asthma.
To help investigate their research, the team is looking for healthy adults (aged 18+) who’ve been diagnosed with asthma to attend a single session of 30 – 60 minutes at the Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI).
The team is also looking for non-smoking, healthy volunteers, preferably over the age of 50.
To find out more, or to volunteer for this study, please call 02 4042 0532 or email Joanne.Howes@newcastle.edu.au
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