Unveiling New Strategies to Alleviate Severe Breathing Disorders in Australia - HMRI
Respiratory researchers are embarking on a groundbreaking investigation into an unexpected contributor to poor lung health: the body's metabolism. The University of Newcastle's Professor Jay Horvat, a key figure in HMRI's Immune Health Research Program, has secured a substantial $1.5 million Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) grant, facilitated by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). This funding will be directed towards addressing one of Australia's most persistent health challenges.
Australians grappling with both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) endure some of the most formidable breathing obstacles, often with limited treatment options. This group experiences more frequent hospitalizations due to flare-ups, a diminished quality of life, and heightened healthcare requirements. However, research has traditionally focused on asthma or COPD in isolation, creating a significant gap in our understanding and treatment of these conditions.
Professor Horvat will spearhead a team of metabolic and lung disease experts to explore the intricate relationship between the body's metabolic processes and inflammation and lung function in individuals living with both asthma and COPD. Emerging research indicates that factors such as excess abdominal fat, elevated blood sugar, and unhealthy cholesterol levels can exacerbate lung inflammation and intensify breathing difficulties.
Professor Horvat suggests that targeting metabolic factors, such as sugars or fats, which fuel immune cell inflammation, could be a potential avenue for treatment. By meticulously mapping these connections, the team aims to identify the most critical metabolic changes and determine the most effective interventions, including dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, or targeted therapies.
"This project is about revolutionizing the approach to a patient group that currently faces limited effective treatment options," Professor Horvat emphasized. "By understanding the role of metabolic health in driving lung inflammation, we can develop more comprehensive strategies to manage symptoms and enhance the quality of daily life for these patients."
The study's outcomes could pave the way for novel treatments that reduce inflammation, enhance breathing, and ultimately alleviate the burden of chronic respiratory disease for thousands of Australians. The project, titled 'Optimising Pulmonary Therapies using ImmunoMetabolic Analyses of Lung disease: The OPTIMAL Study,' involves a team of experts including University of Newcastle's Drs. Hayley Scott and Bronwyn Berthon, Professor Lisa Wood from the HMRI Immune Health Research Program, and Professor Murray Cairns from the HMRI Precision Medicine and Health Research Program.
HMRI, a collaborative effort between the University of Newcastle, Hunter New England Health, and the community, is committed to driving positive change in the health and well-being of the region.
