Inflammatory Asthma and Heart-Health study. Version 0.5
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Asthma and cardiovascular disease association: the effect of leukotriene status on cardiovascular dysfunction.
IRAS ID
298676
Contact name
Malcolm Marquette
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Norwich Medical School
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 0 days
Research summary
Research has shown that the risk of developing heart disease increases in people with asthma. However, the reasons for this link remain unclear. The presence of uncontrolled inflammation is likely to contribute. One of the chemicals produced by the body resulting in inflammation is called leukotrienes. These chemicals have been shown to have a potential impact on heart disease in previous research. Leukotrienes are well known to cause airway inflammation in asthma. Therefore, this chemical might be the link between asthma and heart disease.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) – exacerbated respiratory disease (N-ERD), is a type of asthma associated with high leukotrienes. People with N-ERD experience worsening asthma symptoms when they take drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen, leading to higher leukotriene levels. Therefore, studying people with N-ERD allows us to understand the contribution that leukotrienes have to heart disease development. This study will assess the degree of heart disease risk with an ultrasound test called flow-mediated dilatation (FMD). This test involves measuring blood vessel size with an ultrasound probe after a blood pressure cuff is inflated. In addition, another ultrasound test called Pulse-Wave Velocity (PWV) will measure the degree of blood vessel (arterial) stiffness. To study the effects leukotrienes have on developing heart disease, we will measure the concentration of leukotrienes in urine samples. Participants will then be treated with a drug that blocks leukotriene production (Zileuton). Following treatment with Zileuton, we will repeat measurements of urine leukotriene concentration and blood vessel wall function. The comparison between change in leukotriene levels and the change in blood vessel size (through FMD) will allow us to see if leukotrienes affect measures of heart disease risk. This research aims to improve our understanding of heart disease in patients with asthma, thereby improving the management of patients with asthma.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/YH/0236
Date of REC Opinion
24 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion