Natural products in bronchial asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the airways in the lungs. The inner lining (epithelium) of the airways forms a protective barrier against harmful irritants. This lining is frequently injured but repairs itself quickly. In asthma, however, this barrier is dysfunctional and cannot repair itself when injured. This allows irritants into the airway tissue and initiates an inflammatory response. As the lining cannot repair itself properly, chronic inflammation develops. Natural products have been proposed as useful in treating asthma, however, they are not always safe. We will grow epithelial cells from the airway in two cell culture models of asthma to:
• understand how plicatic acid, the natural compound that causes western red-cedar asthma (WRCA), damages the inner lining of the airways;
• investigate how honey may promote repair of damaged epithelium.

PROOF will benefit from this research by being involved in the identification of new signatures for allergic asthma, WRCA, damaged epithelial cells and markers of epithelial healing.

Faculty Supervisor:

Scott J. Tebbutt

Student:

Partner:

PROOF Centre of Excellence

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

The University of British Columbia

Program: