Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious lung condition that makes breathing difficult and is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. People with COPD often face additional health problems, such as heart disease, anxiety, depression, diabetes, sleep disorders, and other respiratory issues. The intricate interplay between COPD and these comorbid conditions poses a substantial challenge for healthcare providers and necessitates a deeper understanding of underlying mechanisms. Environmental factors, particularly air quality and temperature extremes, play a significant role in the burden of respiratory diseases. Despite extensive research highlighting the impact of ambient air on respiratory health, whether air exposures contribute to the development and progression of COPD comorbidities remains largely unclear.
This research project aims to explore how exposure to air exposome (e.g., pollution and temperature changes) contributes to additional health problems in people with COPD. Through the integration of clinical phenotype data at the molecular, functional, and anatomical levels, particularly genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, we will identify the specific molecular signatures and biological pathways influenced by environmental exposures that lead to the exacerbation of respiratory comorbidities in COPD patients. Additionally, we seek to identify individuals who are more susceptible to these environmental factors through the use of genetic and lifestyle data (e.g., diet, and physical activity). By understanding these interactions, we can develop personalized prevention and management plans that are tailored to the needs of those at higher risk.
The project is planned to last three years. This research has the potential to significantly impact public health by identifying key risk factors and informing public health policies. Our findings could guide policymakers in developing regulations and guidelines to improve air quality and climate conditions and protect vulnerable populations. Ultimately, this project aims to reduce the disease burden and improve the health and quality of life for people living with COPD by providing new insights into how to manage and prevent additional health effects related to environmental exposures.
In summary, this project seeks to shed light on the complex nexus between environment, chronic respiratory disease, and respiratory comorbidities. By integrating clinical phenotypes at molecular, functional, and anatomical levels with comprehensive environmental exposure profiles, we hope to uncover the pathways through which air exposome leads to additional health effects in people with respiratory disease. This knowledge will help us develop more effective prevention and management strategies, ultimately benefiting respiratory disease patients and the broader community.