The link of asthma outcome with AMP responsiveness and airway pathology

PhD ceremony: Mr. F. Volbeda, 16.15 uur, Academiegebouw, Broerstraat 5, Groningen

Title: The link of asthma outcome with AMP responsiveness and airway pathology

Promotor(s): prof. D.S. Postma, prof. W. Timens

Faculty: Medical Sciences

We investigated which markers characterized asthma patients in remission and asthma patients with fast and slow decline in lung function. Also, effects of smoking in asthma were investigated and which indirect markers for asthma control were associated with airway inflammation. Lung function tests were performed, the adenosine-5’-monophosphate (AMP) was investigated and airway biopsies and sputum were obtained for inflammation. Good control of asthma as assessed with questionnaires and lung function tests is relevant because it is associated with less airway inflammation and improved quality of life.