Respiratory Research

Estimates suggest that 100-150 million people worldwide have asthma. In the UK the prevalence of asthma is particularly high, a recent report showed that in Scotland more than 18% of people experienced asthma symptoms and in England and Wales similar figures were reported, 17% and 15.3% respectively (Global Initiative for Asthma 2004).

COPD is a composite term encompassing several diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD is the fourth most common cause of death worldwide (WHO 2004). Asthma and COPD are complex disease involving both genetic and environmental factors resulting in disease expression.

Learn more about our ongoing research in asthma and COPD.

Interstitial lung disease, particularly Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis is a major cts on these research theme for the Division with a bench to bedside approach. Current projects include two large patient cohorts examining epidemiology ( Professor Richard Hubbard), prognostic biomarkers, genetics and other clinical outcomes ( Dr Gisli Jenkins, Professor Linhua Pang). A strong laboratory research theme has a focus on integrin signalling, TGFb activation and extra-cellular matrix stability ( Professor Simon Johnson).

Interstitial lung disease research is closely allied to clinical interstitial lung disease service at Nottingham University Hospitals. Funding for this work has come from the MRC, BBSRC, British Lung Foundation and industry. The Division of Respiratory Medicine has active collaborations in fibrosis as part of the Creative Research in Fibrosis Therapy consortium (CRAFT) with Glaxo-Smith-Kline and further research support from Novartis.

Lung infection particularly associated with chronic lung diseases such as cystic fibrosis is an important area of our research. These studies have been carried out collaboration with Paul Williams and Miguel Camara in molecular microbiology, Professor Alan Smyth in Paediatrics and Professor Andrew Fogarty in Epidemiology.

We have a particular interest in how bacterial quorum sensing molecules produced by gram negative organisms in the lung can be used as biomarkers of lung infection and a potential therapeutic target. We have also carried out explorative clinical trials of new agents (eg garlic, glutamine) and large RCTs (eg TOPIC study of once daily tobramycin). These studies have been funded by MRC, Wellcome, CF Trust and USCFF. Wei Shen Lim is interested in studies of pneumonia and influenza infection (funded by NIHR and industry).

Lymphangioleiomyomatosis is a rare disease of the lungs and lymphatics which leads to respiratory failure. The Division of Respiratory Medicine has both laboratory and clinical research interests in the disease, and leads on the development of clinical guidelines for LAM and related disorders ( Professor Simon Johnson). Laboratory studies focus on understanding the mechanisms of protease mediated lung destruction.

Clinical LAM research has themes in clinical trials, biomarkers and clinical management and is closely allied to the National Centre for Lymphangioleiomyomatosis, a UK clinical referral service for patients with LAM funded by highly specialised commissioning for NHS England.

The group also work closely with LAM Action, the National patient charity, and their research is funded by the British Lung Foundation, LAM Action, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham University Special Trustees.