Recipient organisationImperial College LondonSource-published name: Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine
Funding£2.9M
PeriodJan 2006 — Dec 2011
In plain English
AI plain-English summary
A team of researchers is tracking how diet and airborne allergens trigger asthma attacks, using data from thousands of patients across Europe and Africa. Asthma affects millions of people, but the precise triggers remain poorly understood. This unit focuses on two specific gaps: whether nutrients like selenium or sodium influence asthma risk, and how outdoor allergens—not just indoor dust mites—provoke sudden attacks. The work builds on large-scale studies such as the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) and the STARS programme, which have already collected extensive data on breathing, diet, and environment. If successful, this research could lead to practical dietary advice for people with asthma—for example, whether selenium supplements or avoiding salty foods help control symptoms. It could also inform public health policies on air quality and allergen monitoring, potentially reducing hospital admissions for asthma attacks. The findings on food allergy epidemiology across Europe may improve how clinicians diagnose and manage allergic reactions. Much of this work is fundamental epidemiology—mapping connections between diet, environment, and disease without immediate clinical applications. But similar population studies have previously identified modifiable risk factors for heart disease and cancer, leading to prevention strategies that save lives.
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BackgroundThe work programmeThe Unit's focus will remain in two main areas. The first is in the nutritional epidemiology of asthma, the second on the role of airborne allergen in asthma exacerbations. A third area, which relates to each of these, is development of the molecular epidemiology of asthma, building on the experience of the STARS studies.Nutritional Epidemiology of AsthmaThe fellow replacing Dr Shaheen will take on a portfolio of work on asthma and nutrition. This includes ongoing work with the ECRHS data, new studies on asthma and dietary sodium, potentially work undertaken through the GA2LEN network of excellence, and a new application following up Dr Calvert's studies of nutrition and asthma in Africa.The trial of selenium supplementation in adults with asthma has now finished and is being analysed (Dr Shaheen). Dr Okoko though he will not any longer be formally on the DH unit strength will continue his studies of asthma and apple intake. A cross-sectional survey in schools has been completed and the development of a trial is currently under discussion. The project overall will form the basis of a PhD for Dr Okoko. Dr Hooper will provide statistical support for this work as well as developing the analyses that he has begun on Dr Calvert's data and taking up some of the other statistical issues relating to the ECRHS.Outside the Unit's programme this area of work will be supported by:Dr Shaheen who will continue to pursue his interests now funded by Asthma UK and external grants. Specifically this work will include:1. Further analyses in ALSPAC expanding the outcome measurements analysed to include atopy at 7 years and airway responsiveness at 8-9 years, improving estimates of prenatal mineral intake by studies of tooth enamel, examining genetic interactions with paracetamol intake and exposure to tobacco smoke, and studies of postnatal nutrition.2. Completion of the SELINA trial of selenium supplementation in adult asthma3. Using on-going trials of supplementation in pregnancy to examine effects on asthma of antioxidants and iron.4. Some further intervention studies on paracetamol.A new fellow funded by the Europrevall programme will pursue a programme of work on the epidemiology of food allergy in Europe.Environmental StudiesThe fellow to replace Dr Luczynska will pursue the work on environmental allergen. This work will continue to be supported also by Dr Newson and by the technician post, the funding for which we will find elsewhere. Collaboration will be established with Dr Jones in the group of Prof. Newman-Taylor for development of the laboratory support.This work will extend the findings of the Thamesmead project started by Dr Luczynska and will attempt to further quantify the effects of allergen in the outdoor air on asthma exacerbations and also identify the sources and nature of the allergens.Outside the Unit's programme this area of work will be supported by:Dr Jarvis who will bring forward a programme of work focused on environmental pollution, gender and asthma as well as continuing to develop work associated with the ECRHS. Further studies are currently being completed relating to the STARS programme. These relate to the environmental programme but currently address early life influences and mechanisms of disease. We will bring forward further plans in this area when the current project is complete.AimsHISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database.Plan of InvestigationHISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database.Potential ImpactHISTORIC PROJECT - Entire abstract transferred from the previous database into the [Scientific summary background] field of this database.Policy RelevanceUknown
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