Work is also progressing on understanding the production of oxidants by eosinophils. Dr. Moqbel's team has identified certain enzymes and chloride channels that are involved in oxidant release. Effective inhibition will probably require a combination of these. Our goal is to block the secretory pathways in eosinophils, and we're very focused on making sure that our research is relevant to clinical application. For good reason.
Asthma ranks among the most common chronic conditions in Canada.
More than 50,000 Canadians are admitted to hospital with asthma-related problems every year. The incidence of asthma has been increasing over the past 20 years, especially among children. We have a very powerful set-up at the University of Alberta with the Pulmonary Research Group, the Asthma Clinic, other collaborations with scientists in Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Medicine. When I teach my students about asthma, I use slides that clearly show the magnitude of damage caused by eosinophils. I know we can find a way to stop this damage from occurring.