Projects / Programmes
Slovenian network of allergy and asthma: from epidemiology to genetics
January 1, 2013
- December 31, 2018
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 3.01.00 |
Medical sciences |
Microbiology and immunology |
|
| 3.08.00 |
Medical sciences |
Public health (occupational safety) |
|
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| B230 |
Biomedical sciences |
Microbiology, bacteriology, virology, mycology |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| 3.01 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Basic medicine |
| 3.03 |
Medical and Health Sciences |
Health sciences |
Researchers (29)
Organisations (4)
Abstract
In integration part we will further tackle the fragmentation of Slovenian research. This will be done by joint efforts with Slovenian outpatient MDs and other institutions in investigations of rhinitis and asthma prevalence and by analysis of regional sensitization differences. In integration part we will further develop clinical»telemonitoring« of severe asthma patients. The research activates will be performed in four WPs. In WP 1.1 (airway remodeling asthma) we will focus on cellular, angiogenic and molecular changes (expression of mRNA and microRNA) in asthmatic patients, with significant progress in airway remodeling despite regular treatment. In WP 1.2 (aspirin intolerance - AI) we will set an in vivo model of monitoring COX-2 expression (mRNA) in peripheral blood after aspirin provocation. Namely, we recently showed that in vitro COX-2 appears to be differently regulated (overexpressed) in monocytes of AI patients. The largest work package (WP 2) will be dealing with the link between IgE sensitization, basophil allergen sensitivity and allergic disease. We will include different clinical (WP 2.1) and immunotherapeutic anaphylactic models (WP 2.2) for Hymenoptera venom and peanut allergy, milk and inhalant grass and house dust mite allergy. In one way this WP will determine basal humoral, molecular and transduction mechanisms behind differences and/or changes in basophil allergen sensitivity. On the other way we will further expand the clinical testing of basophil allergen sensitivity approach for diagnostic routine use. The third work package will focus on honeybee venom (Api m 1 to 10), house dust mite (Der p 1 do p 23) (WP 3.1) and peanut (Ara h 1 do 9) (WP 3.2) recombinant allergens for diagnosis and treatment. The fourth WP is focused on genetics of allergic diseases. In WP 4.1 we will expand the research of the ORMDL3 polymorphisms in asthma to the locus 17q11.2−17q21.1. In WP 4.2 the testing for major filaggrin mutations will be performed on a large group of SI atopic, allergic contact and irritant contact dermatitis patients. In WP 4.3 we will start to prepare a large genome-wide association study by enrolment of 1000 patients to identify possible susceptibility loci for hypersensitivity to Hymenoptera venom. In the Hymenoptera venom allergy and basophil allergen sensitivity field we are one of the leading groups in the world.
Significance for science
Asthma and allergy are Europes` most common chronic diseases and their prevalence is increasing. Up to one child of three is affected, and trends indicate that by 2020, half of all Europeans may be suffering from an allergy. It was shown that the number of people with atopy is increasing but we do not know why. Atopy involves the capacity to produce IgE antibodies in response to common environmental proteins such as house dust mites, grass pollen, and food allergens. Several hypotheses are discussed such as the evolution of the »western lifestyle«, the hygiene hypothesis, genetics and environment changes. As well as identifying the cause of the increasing prevalence, which might lead to prevention. Another highly important challenge is to define the exact mechanisms causing allergic symptoms. Namely, only half to two-thirds of people with allergen specific IgE develop symptoms. Furthermore, it is not clear why some IgE sensitized subjects develop only mild symptoms and other life-treating systemic reactions. This is especially important in case of anaphylaxis, which is most commonly triggered by insect venom, food or medications. Therefore, new testing possibilities like recombinant allergens, cellular basophil testing and genetic analysis may help us in evaluation of better and more predictive diagnostic approaches which could distinguish mild from severe reactors and this task is in the core of our research program. Immunotherapy is a treatment of choice in allergy. However the exact mechanism and the in vitro test to predict the induction of protection or tolerance are poorly understood. This is another very important field in which this program is highly involved. Finally, we think that this program will, similarly as the previous one, have a high impact on the development of science in allergology, especially in the field of new recombinant and cellular diagnostic and prognostic approaches.
Significance for the country
Research on allergic diseases in Slovenia is still not coordinated as effectively as possible and findings do not always reach doctors and patients fast enough. Although the medical term »allergy« exists for a long time, it is only recently that allergic diseases have come to be considered as an important global problem. Research was therefore not only fragmented in the different research institutes but also between disciplines: Pulmonology, ENT, Immunology, Epidemiology and general practice. This fragmentation had to be tackled by identifying areas where data were missing, integrating and comparing the results obtained in the different studies, and standardizing research practices. Our program answer to this challenge is to provide a platform for research, which adopts the same standards of excellence, and which aims to spread good practices and to foster collaboration within Slovenia.
The program aims to accelerate the application of research results into clinical practice, to meet the needs of patients, and to help guide policy development. It also aims to promote training and greater integration in this medical field. By addressing allergy and asthma in their totality, the program ultimate objective is to benefit the well-being of patients by decreasing the burden of allergic diseases in Slovenia.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2013,
2014,
2015,
final report
