Epidemiological studies describe a statistically significant correlation between hospitalization rate and exposure to environmental pollutants such as atmospheric particulates (PM10 and PM2.5) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Indeed, they induced the release of inflammation mediators and oxidative stress, involved in remodeling and destruction of the alveolar parenchyma, in turn associated with the respiratory disease onset and progression such as asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer. Interestingly, oxidative stress associated with environmental pollutants could also induce DNA damage by affecting the stability of G-quadruplex (G4) sequences. Given the role of G4 in physiological and pathological processes and their presence in mitochondrial DNA, telomeres and proto-oncogene promoters, it is interesting to investigate the potential involvement in cellular mechanisms of response to oxidative stress associated with pollutants. Moreover, it is known that pollutant-induced oxidative stress has the ability to alter mitochondrial integrity, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. The mitochondria involvement in the innate and adaptive immune response regulation corroborates the role of pollutants in respiratory diseases pathogenesis. Indeed, mitochondrial function and integrity are critical for both the effector and memory stages of differentiation of T cells which play a primary role in respiratory diseases. In this context, the PD-1/PD-L1 immune check-points are essential in promoting the immune system homeostasis. Currently, although the role of environmental pollutants, mitochondrial dysfunction and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in the pathogenesis of many respiratory diseases is recognized, it is useful to further clarify the underlying molecular interconnections and the mechanisms by which pollutants could affect mitochondrial integrity and immune checkpoints.
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Immune checkpoints in COPD and lung cancer.
Timeframe: The outcome will be measured once for each included patient after the enrollment through study completion, an average of 3 year
Mitochondrial activity in COPD and lung cancer.
Timeframe: The outcome will be measured once for each included patient after the enrollment through study completion, an average of 3 year.
Environmental pollutants in COPD and lung cancer.
Timeframe: The outcome will be measured once for each included patient after the enrollment through study completion, an average of 3 year.
G-quadruplex levels in all enrolled subjects.
Timeframe: The outcome will be measured once for each included patient after the enrollment through study completion, an average of 3 year.