Resolution mediators in chronic lung disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
To investigate the role of endogenous resolution mediators in chronic lung disease
IRAS ID
288975
Contact name
Ian Wilkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
There is an unmet need for novel medicines that do not incur side effects in chronic lung disease. A hallmark of chronic lung disease is long term lung damage that has occurred due to inflammation and/or the body’s repair processes not working properly resulting in lung scarring. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) are two lung conditions that although different, have a common problem that there is a failure of resolution and repair to return lung tissue to normal health and function.
Specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are molecules made by the body in cells from components of fats that limit inflammation, help recovery from infection and reduce long-term damage, restoring health of tissue. Little is known about the importance of these molecules in individuals with chronic lung disease. Pre-clinical studies (that is studies done on cells or tissue outside the body, or in animals) suggest this is an important area to research and represents a new area of considering future novel medicines in chronic lung disease, which are urgently needed.
We plan to understand the importance of SPMs in individuals with chronic lung disease (both COPD and IPF) by measuring them in COPD individuals who are stable in their disease and in COPD individuals during an exacerbation (flare up often caused by infection). In addition, to measure SPMs levels in IPF patients at baseline and at a period after. Furthermore, to measure in healthy volunteers without chronic lung disease to enable comparison of results. The study will be conducted at two sites and will involve remote follow up of patients up to 1 year following initial assessment.REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/SW/0023
Date of REC Opinion
4 Mar 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion