Medical School attacks asthma

The Medical School has received a $19 million National Institutes of Health grant to help contain asthma, a fast-growing disease that now afflicts an estimated 10 percent of the U.S. population.

No one is quite sure why, the number of people with asthma has soared from 7.9 million in 1982 to 17 million today.

“What we are dealing with is an asthma epidemic,” says William W. Busse, professor of medicine at the Medical School and lead researcher for the studies. “In order for us to unlock some of the mysteries surrounding asthma, we must continue our efforts to develop a better understanding of the disease.”

Busse and his team of researchers will use the NIH funds to attack asthma from three angles.

Viruses: One study will attempt to establish how respiratory viruses, particularly the common cold virus, Rhinovirus, can contribute to the worsening or the development of asthma.

“What we do know is a person’s genetic makeup only plays a part in the development of asthma and cannot by itself cause the disease,” explains Busse. “We believe that a major cause for asthma attacks is the ability of some respiratory viruses, such as the Rhinovirus, to cause or enhance airway inflammation.”

Severity: Another study will try to determine the features surrounding severe asthma. Although this form of asthma affects only a small segment of the population, severe asthma brings with it the highest death rate and highest costs for asthma patients.

Since the causes of severe asthma are not fully understood, Busse and his research group will test the theory that a persistent respiratory infection by viruses or bacteria, (such as Mycoplasma pneumonia or Chlamydia pneumonia), may inflame the lower airway. These infectious organisms, according to the theory, contribute to the production of inflammatory cells that then lead to severe asthma.

Molecular makeup: The researchers will also take a comprehensive look at the molecular makeup of cells believed to be pivotal in the development of asthma. Although the progression of asthma into a persistent disease for people has many factors, Busse believes that certain white blood cells, eosinophils, may play a significant role in this process. The study will dissect the complex factors surrounding eosinophils and how they contribute to the development of the disease.

“Developing a blue print of the role eosinophils play and what makes them ‘tick’ is extremely important in this attack on asthma,” adds Busse. “It is the kind of information that could have a profound impact on understanding asthma and the development of more effective and appropriate treatments.”

Asthma is a chronic disease in which the lung’s airways become inflamed and narrowed, causing sufferers to wheeze and cough as they struggle to breathe. The increase has been greatest with children — in the last five years alone, the number of youngsters with asthma has increased 170 percent.

Direct health care costs for asthma in the United States total more than $9.8 billion annually. Inpatient hospital services represented the largest single direct medical expenditure, over $4.2 billion.

For information on how to participate in a study, call the Asthma Allergy Research Center, (608) 262-7169, or toll-free, (888) 565-5820.