Genetic variation and cough
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Genetic variation and cough: the influence of TRPV1 and MUC5AC single nucleotide polymorphisms on cough patterns.
IRAS ID
142444
Contact name
Graham H Bothamley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Homerton University Hospital R&D Committee
Research summary
Cough is a very common and often unpleasant symptom. Most coughs are short-lived but others may indicate serious disease. Persistent coughs effect up to 16% of the population and can have a significant negative impact on quality of life. Coughing is also important in the spread of infectious disease such as tuberculosis and measles.
Although several billion pounds are spent worldwide each year on over-the-counter cough remedies no potential cough suppressing medication has been shown to be effective. Up to 40% of patients referred to secondary care because of persistent coughs remain without a diagnosis or definitive treatment.
Cough is only just beginning to attract attention as a topic for research. The direct causes of cough and its variation between and within diseases have been little explored. Two genes have been identified whichseem to be involved: TRPV1, which is involved in the cough reflex, and MUC5AC, involved in mucous production. By taking saliva samples from patients troubled with coughs we would like to learn more about the influence of these genes. This could lead to personalised treatments for cough and improved understanding of the infectiousness of tuberculosis.
The study will recruit mainly at the Homerton University Hospital but possibly other hospital sites in London. It is funded by the NIHR CCRN.REC name
London - Stanmore Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/0290
Date of REC Opinion
14 Mar 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion