Asthma has increased in prevalence, morbidity and mortality over the past 20 years. Recent reports indicate that aerobic exercise improves the overall health of patients with respiratory diseases, including asthma; however, documented alterations in the asthmatic response as well as the mechanisms that underlie such alterations remain ill-defined. It is well appreciated that exercise profoundly influences the immune system; such effects include an exercise-mediated redistribution of T lymphocytes in vivo. Increasing evidence demonstrates that T lymphocytes play a central role in the pathogenesis of asthma. Exercise has also been reported to induce the release of endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs). Endogenous GCs act as anti-inflammatory agents through binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and subsequently altering transcriptional events. Based upon the preliminary data presented herein, the hypothesis of this proposal is that moderate intensity aerobic exercise attenuates the atopic asthmatic response via a mechanism that involves modulation of T cell responses and endogenous glucocorticoid-mediated actions. Proposed studies will: 1) Characterize the effect of aerobic exercise on inflammatory responses and pulmonary function within the atopic asthmatic lung; 2) Determine the effect of aerobic exercise on T cell responses within the atopic asthmatic lung; and 3) Delinate the role of endogenous GCs in the exercise-mediated attenuation of the atopic asthmatic response. Given that the increase in prevalence of asthma is a major public health concern, research that explores asthma-related therapies is vital. It is anticipated that this study will produce novel data regarding the therapeutic potential of aerobic exercise in the management of asthma.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01HL075465-01A2
Application #
6988928
Study Section
Lung Cellular, Molecular, and Immunobiology Study Section (LCMI)
Program Officer
Noel, Patricia
Project Start
2005-07-01
Project End
2009-06-30
Budget Start
2005-07-01
Budget End
2006-06-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2005
Total Cost
$345,930
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Birmingham
Department
Physiology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
063690705
City
Birmingham
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35294
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