EIB Mediator & VOC Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Urinary Mediators and Volatile Organic Compounds released during Exercise Induced-Bronchoconstriction
IRAS ID
199954
Contact name
Stephen Fowler
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of South Manchester NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
Exercise induced-bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a transient narrowing of the airways that occurs during or shortly after strenuous exercise. The prevalence of EIB in asthmatic patients is estimated around 30-50%, but EIB can also occur in individuals without asthma. Controversy remains about the causative mediators in the bronchoconstrictive response. Technological advancement in mass spectrometry has opened new avenues in the quantitative measurement of small endogenous metabolites in biological fluids (incl. urine and exhaled breath), which may provide insights into the pathophysiology of EIB and direct future therapeutic targets.
Utilising novel techniques in the analysis of inflammatory mediators in urine and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath, this study aims to conduct the most comprehensive analysis of mediator release during EIB to date.
Participants will attend a screening visit where they will complete an exercise challenge (to determine the presence of EIB) and a methacholine challenge [to determine the presence of airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR), a defining characteristic of asthma]. Following the screening visit, patients with EIB will be invited to complete a randomised cross-over study, where they will perform two further exercise challenges on separate days: one while inhaling temperate dry air and one while inhaling hot humid air - the latter is known to inhibit EIB. Lung function will be recorded and urine and expired air samples will be collected, before and at various time points after exercise. As a control condition, participants will also attend one visit during which no exercise will be performed.
Participants aged 18+ yr, with diagnosed or suspected asthma and/or EIB will be included in the study. 12 participants will complete 4 visits, lasting ~ 5 hours. Participants will attend the University Hospital of South Manchester to complete the study. Urine samples will be analysed at the Karolinska institutet, Sweden and exhaled breath samples will be analysed at Manchester Institute of Biotechnology.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0330
Date of REC Opinion
13 Jun 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion