Search
Research
Distribution, composition, and activity of airway-associated adipose tissue in the porcine lungPatients with comorbid asthma-obesity experience greater disease severity and are less responsive to therapy. We have previously reported adipose tissue within the airway wall that positively correlated with body mass index. Accumulation of biologically active adipose tissue may result in the local release of adipokines and disrupt large and small airway function depending on its anatomical distribution. This study therefore characterized airway-associated adipose tissue distribution, lipid composition, and adipokine activity in a porcine model.
Research
From Beneath the Skin to the Airway Wall: Understanding the Pathological Role of Adipose Tissue in Comorbid Asthma-ObesityThis article provides a contemporary report on the role of adipose tissue in respiratory dysfunction. Adipose tissue is distributed throughout the body, accumulating beneath the skin (subcutaneous), around organs (visceral), and importantly in the context of respiratory disease, has recently been shown to accumulate within the airway wall: "airway-associated adipose tissue." Excessive adipose tissue deposition compromises respiratory function and increases the severity of diseases such as asthma.
Research
Respiratory Health Effects of In Vivo Sub-Chronic Diesel and Biodiesel Exhaust ExposureBiodiesel, which can be made from a variety of natural oils, is currently promoted as a sustainable, healthier replacement for commercial mineral diesel despite little experimental data supporting this. The aim of our research was to investigate the health impacts of exposure to exhaust generated by the combustion of diesel and two different biodiesels.
Research
Electronic Cigarette Usage Patterns and Perceptions in Adult AustraliansDespite their increasing popularity, and Australia's unique regulatory environment, how and why Australian adults use e-cigarettes and their perceptions of their safety, efficacy and regulation have not been extensively reported before. In this study, we screened 2217 adult Australians with the aim of assessing these questions in a sample of current or former e-cigarette users.
Research
The mechanism of deep inspiration-induced bronchoprotection: Evidence from a mouse modelIn healthy individuals, deep inspirations (DIs) taken prior to a bronchial challenge reduce the bronchoconstrictor response, which is termed...
Research
In utero exposure to low dose arsenic via drinking water impairs early life lung mechanics in miceAll alterations to lung mechanics following in utero arsenic exposure were recovered by adulthood.
Research
No role for neutrophil elastase in influenza-induced cellular recruitment, cytokine production or airway hyperresponsiveness in micePrevious studies have suggested that in vitro modulation of neutrophil chemokines and inflammatory cytokines by neutrophil elastase (NE) does not translate to t
Research
Biodiesel exhaust: The need for a systematic approach to health effects researchBiodiesel is a generic term for fuel that can be made from virtually any plant or animal oil via transesterification of triglycerides with an alcohol...
Research
Respiratory toxicology of e-cigarettes: effect of vapours on lung function and inflammationElectronic cigarettes (ECs) have been rapidly gaining ground on conventional cigarettes due to their efficiency in ceasing or reducing tobacco consumption,...
Research
Emerging issues in the Pacific BasinThis review provides a snapshot of some key environmental health issues that will provide ongoing challenges for the Pacific Basin region in the coming decades