The purpose of this research study to understand how environmental and genetic factors may be involved in lung function. Study participants will undergo a 1-day screening that includes a blood draw and breathing testing, return for a two-day series of testing to include blood draw, and brief breathing test before and after an inhaled challenge with either filtered air (FA) or ozone (O3). Participants return the next day for a brief breathing test, a blood draw and a procedure called bronchoscopy to evaluate the lung after the challenge. Participants then return 18 - 20 days later to repeat the two-day series of testing to be challenged with the exposure not received on the first series, (FA or O3). Each visit will take about 3 - 3.5 hours. Follow-up phone calls from the study team will occur at 24 hours after each 2-day test series. Total study duration is about one to one-and a half months.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
14
Subjects will perform alternating 15 minutes rest with 15 minutes treadmill walk exercise periods for 135 minutes in while breathing Ozone (O3).
Subjects will perform alternating 15 minutes rest with 15 minutes treadmill walk exercise periods for 135 minutes in while breathing filtered air.
Duke Asthma, Allergy, and Airway Center
Durham, North Carolina, United States
Change in Ozone (O3) Induced Epithelial Permeability, as Measured by the Level of Clara Cell Secretory Protein
This measure is defined by the comparing each individuals baseline (following filtered air challenge) to the ozone response. The investigators will perform two tests on this response as a means of confirmation. The individual will have blood drawn to obtain serum and a bronchoscopy to obtain bronchoalveolar lavage. The serum will be used to determine the level of clara cell secretory protein. This is measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The value is reported as ng/mL.
Time frame: Baseline, 21 days
Change in Ozone (O3) Induced Epithelial Permeability, as Measured by Albumin Level (ug/mL)
This measure is defined by the comparing each individuals baseline (following filtered air challenge) to the ozone response. The investigators will perform two tests on this response as a means of confirmation. The individual will have blood drawn to obtain serum and a bronchoscopy to obtain bronchoalveolar lavage. The bronchoalveolar lavage will be similarly used to define the albumin level. Albumin is also measured by ELISA. The value is reported at ug/mL.
Time frame: Baseline, 21 days
Change in Ozone O3 Induced Alterations in Gene Expression of Airway Epithelial Cells, and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cells
Measured by real-time PCR
Time frame: Baseline, 21 days
Change in Ozone (O3) Induced Bronchoalveolar Lavage CXCL11 Levels
CXCL11, or C-X-C motif chemokine 11, is a protein that acts as a chemoattractant and plays a role in regulating cell migration. Measured by multiplex ELISA.
Time frame: Baseline, 21 days
Change in Ozone (O3) Induced Bronchoalveolar Lavage CXCL10 Levels
CXCL10 is a cytokine that has multiple roles, such as modulating innate and adaptive immune response, regulating cell growth and angiostatic effects. Measured by multiplex ELISA.
Time frame: Baseline, 21 days
Change in Ozone (O3) Induced Bronchoalveolar Lavage IFN-γ Levels
Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a cytokine that plays an important role in inducing and modulating an array of immune responses. Measured by multiplex ELISA.
Time frame: Baseline, 21 days
Change in Ozone (O3) Induced Bronchoalveolar Lavage CXCL9 Levels
CXCL9, or C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9, is a small cytokine that plays a role in inflammation, tumor growth, and other processes. Measured by multiplex ELISA.
Time frame: Baseline, 21 days
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.