Objetivo
1. To develop in vitro and in vivo experimental procedures for the identification of early biological markers of inflammatory and/or fibrotic reactions of the respiratory tract caused by environmental and industrial pollutants.
2. To assess whether some of these markers may be used for the early detection of adverse effects in subjects exposed to some pneumotoxicants.
1. Integrated experimental (in vitro and in vivo) studies will seek to clarify some of the mechanisms of alveolitis and long term fibrogenesis caused by exposure to characterised particles. The response to three different reference dusts will be investigated, (i) well-documented fibrogenic particles (crystalline silica), (ii) particles inducing an acute inflammatory reaction (arsenic oxide) and (iii) so-called inert particles (tungsten carbide). The response induced by other particles (e.g. cobalt containing materials) will be compared to that induced by the reference materials.
It will also be assessed to what extent the surface chemistry and reactivity of inorganic particles play a role in inducing inflammatory reactions and/or fibrosis. These studies will take advantage of new methods in cell and molecular biology to examine both in vitro and in vivo the early biological events which may be predictive of long term adverse effects. The expected outcome of this first part will be the identification of potential biomarkers.
2. Defined markers will then be investigated in subchronic experimental studies for evaluating their potential in predicting the development of long term adverse effects.
3. Eventually relevant biological markers will be assessed in pilot studies on human populations exposed to some lung pollutants.
Ámbito científico
Convocatoria de propuestas
Data not availableRégimen de financiación
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinador
1200 BRUXELLES
Bélgica