The Genomic Basis of Asthma in Ireland
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Genomic Basis of Asthma in Ireland.
IRAS ID
262333
Contact name
Blánaid Ní Chuinneagain
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Genomics Medicine Ireland
Duration of Study in the UK
6 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The Global Initiative for Asthma consensus (GINA) defines asthma as a complex respiratory disease, characterized by chronic airway inflammation. It includes the presence of symptoms such as wheeze, shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough, bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) and variable airflow obstruction (GINA, 2017). The Republic of Ireland has the fourth highest prevalence of asthma (estimated at 470,000 people) in the world with an increasing incidence over the past 20-30 years (Asthma Society of Ireland, 2017). A subset of COPD patients are described as having Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACO). It has been widely accepted that asthma is no longer considered one single disease, but more a syndrome consisting of a number of different disease subtypes which display similar observable clinical characteristics, or phenotypes (Wenzel, 2012, ERS/ATS, 2014).
Furthermore, there are multiple risk factors for developing asthma. These include familial history, premature birth, low birth weight, history of respiratory infections (viral and bacterial), allergies, obesity, environmental exposures such as dust, dust mites, mould and inhalation of noxious fumes or occupational hazards, maternal smoking and smoking (ERS/ATS 2014).
The heterogeneity of asthma can sometimes make it difficult to treat or manage clinically. Severe-asthma and asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACO) are particularly challenging subsets. The intention of this study is to comprehensively capture all asthma subtypes inclusive of ACO.
In summary, this genomics study has the potential to translate into health improvements for future patients. Specifically, the findings from this study may be used to better diagnose and identify the disease subtype, predict progression and tailor treatment based on a person’s genetic makeup. It may also lead to the identification of new drug targets for the development of novel therapeutics.REC name
Wales REC 6
REC reference
19/WA/0122
Date of REC Opinion
30 Apr 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion