Biomarkers for early detection of progressive pulmonary fibrosis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Biomarkers for early detection of progressive pulmonary fibrosis (PPF)
IRAS ID
323100
Contact name
Simon Hart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Hull
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Recent research has revealed that pulmonary fibrosis (PF) occurs because of premature ageing of lung cells. As a person’s cells get older, they eventually become senescent. Senescent cells no longer divide but enter a state of quiescence and they undergo changes that can cause fibrosis (scarring). In laboratory experiments, we studied lung cells to see what would make them stimulate fibrosis. In these experiments the lung epithelial cells became senescent. These senescent cells produced chemical mediators that can cause fibrosis. Based on these results, our laboratory cell model seems to mimic some key features of pulmonary fibrosis. We will use it to ask whether chemical factors we identify in the cell model can be translated into a fibrosis blood test for patients.\nWe will test this in a clinical research study using samples of blood and urine samples from patients with different types of interstitial lung disease. Based on our findings with the laboratory cell model, we will measure the same chemical factors (biomarkers) in your samples. We predict that if the levels of these factors are raised, this could help us predict whether or not you will go on to develop progressive pulmonary fibrosis. \n
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/WM/0035
Date of REC Opinion
22 Feb 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion