Evaluating the Role of Oxidant/Anti-oxidant Balance and the Relationship of Asthma Severity on Airway Smooth Muscle Proliferation, Migration and Cytokine Release.

Detailed Summary

Our hypothesis is that the severity of asthma is determined by the way in which airway smooth muscle cells grow and release inflammatory mediators. Our main objective is to establish how the properties of the airway smooth muscle cell varies with asthma severity. Environmental agents, such as cigarette smoke, and inflammation can give rise to oxidative stress - this is a process whereby harmful chemicals called free radicals are formed in the body and damage tissues. The damage caused can be limited/prevented by protective, or anti-oxidant mediators. We will also look at molecules involved in oxidative stress which may affect the way in which the airway smooth muscle grows and produces inflammatory mediators.

Study Details

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Interventions