Role of bradykinin in the diagnosis and management of angioedema
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation and validation of a salivary bradykinin immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis and management of bradykinin mediated angioedema.
IRAS ID
213294
Contact name
Efrem Eren
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 2 months, 9 days
Research summary
Angioedema is characterised by swelling under the skin. It is commonly mediated by chemical known as histamine however, many other chemicals can cause angioedema by affecting the smooth muscle and endothelial cell functions. Angioedema may co-occur with itchy rash on the skin, known as urticaria. The causes (mediators) of angioedema and urticaria are released from different vasoactive inflammatory elements (elements that affect the blood vessels) such as mast cells and basophils.
Bradykinin is a chemical that plays a pivotal role in non-allergic angioedema, where bradykinin levels are elevated in patient’s plasma during the attacks.Mediators/chemicals that induce angioedema symptoms plays a central role in determining the clinical features and medication susceptibility of angioedema. For example, bradykinin mediated angioedema does not respond to antihistamine drugs.
The levels of bradykinin in patients can help to predict the severity of the attack and therefore help in managing the symptoms. currently there are no in vitro (Laboratory test) tests to diagnose angioedema. There are enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits available to measure bradykinin in blood plasma and serum, however this involves an invasive procedure, time consuming and costly.
The aim of this project is to set up an assay for measuring bradykinin in saliva; which is a non-invasive process, quick and cheap.This will be achieved by using competitive ELISA assay to analyse saliva samples from different participant groups i.e. participants with hereditary angioedema, participants on Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and participants with spontaneous angioedema.24 samples will be collected from allergy clinic at Southampton General Hospital. Patient information sheet and consent form will be given to participants prior to sample collections. Saliva samples will be taken in a salivette, which will be a quick and easy process for participants. Samples will be anonymised by an individual who will not be taking part in this study.REC name
East Midlands - Leicester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/EM/0057
Date of REC Opinion
22 Feb 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion