The effects of diesel exhaust air pollution exposure on inhaled corticosteroid treatment in late-onset asthmatic patients

With the advancement of global urbanization, the prevalence of air pollution continues to become of increasing concern for individuals worldwide. Asthma is a respiratory disease characterized by narrowing of the airways, leading to difficulty breathing. To manage symptoms, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are prescribed to reduce symptoms. However, studies have shown that exposure to air pollution, particularly in the form of diesel exhaust (DE), reduces the effectiveness of ICS, resulting in overprescription of the drug that can cause side-effects. To understand how DE exposure confers with ICS efficacy, I, Michael Yoon, alongside members of the Air Pollution Exposure Lab (APEL; https://www.pollutionlab.com/) will be conducting a controlled human exposure study where asthmatic participants will be exposed to regulated levels of DE. Through this study, we will be able to understand the biological changes associated with reduced ICS effectiveness for improved treatment. 

This BC-based project has been funded by the Canadian Consortium of Clinical Trial Training Platform-Clinical Trials Training Program (CANTRAIN-CTTP) & Michael Smith Health Research BC Doctoral Studentship 2024 Award Program as well as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) organization. The primary goal of the proposed project is to determine how DE interferes with ICS treatment, where our aim is to translate our findings to improve current health policies regarding ICS administration, resulting in safer usage.