Multi-pronged approach for early diagnosis and prognosis of COPD

We will use a multi-pronged approach for two aims: early identification of individuals at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and identification of subjects with an established COPD diagnosis that are at risk of exacerbation.The project consists of new studies and follow-up of clinical cohorts by means of registries and clinical visits, analyses of biomarkers in blood and exhaled air, tests of mast cell involvement by assessment of mast cell progenitors and human tissue studies.Several new techniques will be used: non-radiological assessment of emphysema, collection of particles in exhaled air, and novel physiological tests, as assessment of closing volume by forced oscillation technique (FOT) and changes in exhaled nitric oxide after bronchodilation.

The clinical value of candidate peptides and broader proteomics assays will be also tested.I will coordinate these projects under 2021-2026 and a network of collaborators for specific techniques is described in detail in the research plan.This is the first project investigating the prognostic value of these methods.

If successful, this novel approach of early identification of individuals at risk for developing / worsening of COPD could be used in larger scale, as most techniques can be implemented in primary care.

Moreover, the explorative analyses regarding the role of mast cells and search for candidate biomarkers through proteomics/peptidomics are novel and may offer new drug targets in COPD.