Impact of exposome on the course of lung diseases

The concept of exposome reflects the cumulative measure of environmental influences and associated biological responses from the perinatal period onwards, including exposures from the environment, diet, behavior and endogenous processes. Its importance to health and disease is undeniable, particularly for chronic respiratory diseases, as they are the leading causes of environment-related deaths. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis are two highly debilitating chronic respiratory diseases sharing common characteristics, yet presenting opposite roots: the former appears to be intricately related to the exposome while the latter not. To address the impact of exposome on the course of these two diseases, the EU-funded REMEDIA project is developing approaches combining the collection of exposome and clinical data, advanced machine learning, the use of atmospheric simulation chambers, and the development of individual sensor devices. Such approach could point the way to effective prevention and treatment.