Studying DNA Damage and Repair in Lung Diseases
Study of DNA Repair in Lung Disease Patients Exposed to Airborne Pollutants
Catherine Sears, MD
Primary Investigator
Brief description of study
We will collect cells from the airways and blood of adult patients undergoing clinical bronchoscopy to study how these cells repair DNA after exposure to airborne pollutants like tobacco smoke. We will grow these airway cells in a lab setting to create a 3D model of the lung's surface and measure DNA damage and repair using specialized assays. By comparing airway cells with blood cells from the same patient, we aim to understand the effects of pollutants on DNA repair in different cell types.
Detailed description of study
We will obtain blood, nasal epithelial cells, and bronchial epithelial cells from brushings obtained during clinical bronchoscopies for adult patients. We will monitor the clinical bronchoscopy list for Indiana University Hospital and review chart to decide if they will meet the inclusion criteria for this study.
After that, patients will be interviewed and informed consent will be obtained. Blood and bronchial brush samples will be obtained and taken in sealed containers directly to the laboratory of Dr. Sears (5th floor, R3-Walther Hall).
Subjects may participate multiple times, providing the same or a different type of sample, but each time they participate, they will need to sign a new informed consent form. Participants will be re-recruited in the clinic, following the same process as the initial recruitment.
Eligibility of study
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- Conditions: Lung disease
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Age: 18 years or above
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Gender: All
Inclusion Criteria
• Any adult patient presenting to Indiana University Health (IUH) University Hospital undergoing clinically indicated bronchoscopy
• Willingness to have samples taken, demographic information taken
Exclusion Criteria
• Age less than 18 years old
• Plavix or Warfarin use within 7 days of bronchoscopy. Platelet count 70, INR > 1.5, or identified by bronchoscopist as being at increased risk for bleeding.
• Severe anemia (HGB less than 7)
• Any contraindication to bronchoscopy, as determined by the pulmonologist/bronchoscopist
• Significant bleeding, hypoxia, hemodynamic instability, inadequate sedation or intolerance to bronchoscopy placing the patient at risk for adverse effects at the discretion of the bronchoscopist
• Unwillingness to have samples taken, or inability to provide consent, and authorization
• Non-English speaking
• Significant acute or chronic medical, neurologic, or other illness in the subject that, in the judgement of the Principal Investigator, could compromise subject safety, limit the ability to complete the study, and/or compromise the objectives of the study
This study investigates how airway and blood cells from adult patients repair DNA after exposure to airborne pollutants, such as tobacco smoke. The purpose is to understand the effects of these pollutants on DNA repair mechanisms in different cell types. We will collect cells from the airways and blood of patients undergoing clinical bronchoscopy, a procedure to look inside the lungs, and study them in the lab.
Participants will provide blood and airway cell samples during their regular bronchoscopy procedure. These samples will be used to create a 3D model of the lung surface in the lab. We will then measure DNA damage and repair using specialized tests. Participants may be asked to provide samples more than once, and each participation will require a new consent form.
- Who can participate: Adults having bronchoscopy at Indiana University Health University Hospital can join. Participants must provide samples and demographic information.
- Study details: Participants will provide blood and airway cell samples during routine bronchoscopy procedures. These samples will be transported to the lab for analysis. Each participation requires a signed consent form.
