A Study to Compare the Effects of Different Sized Particles on Cells in the Nose

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The goal of this study is to see how the type and size of particles found in air pollution affects inflammation in the nose in people who are skin test positive to at least one allergen. It has been observed that pollution makes allergies worse. It has also been suggested that very small particles may affect allergies more than larger particles.

Detailed Description
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Cough, bronchitis, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are all associated with elevated pollution particle levels. Researchers believe that particulate pollutants can exacerbate allergy and inflammation and affect asthma and allergy prevalence. In an urban setting such as the Los Angeles Basin, particles generated by vehicular traffic are thought to be important risk factors. Recently, the Environmental Health Centre of Southern California confirmed that there is a strong association between traffic near homes and schools and development of asthma. This study will help researchers describe the effects of various size pollution particles in causing inflammation in the nose. There will be a total of 20 study visits. The study procedures include physical exams, symptom score for nose, nose washes and nose challenges with particulate matter. The particulates will be given in a random order and include the following: saline (sterile salt water), inert carbon particles (Carbon Black), diesel exhaust particles (DEP), small (fine) particles or very small (ultrafine) particles. These last two (fine and ultrafine) particles are obtained from concentrated normal Los Angeles air. The particulate will be sprayed into the nose with a standard nasal spray.

Official Title
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Cellular Inflammation Characterization of Nasal Challenges With Fine and Ultrafine Particles

Conditions
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Hypersensitivity, Immediate, Atopic Hypersensitivity

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Carbon Black
* Drug: Diesel Exhaust Particles
* Drug: Fine Concentrated Ambient Particles
* Drug: Ultrafine Concentrated Ambient Particles
* Drug: Saline


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Previously determined high inflammatory responders to Diesel Exhaust Particles Previously determined atopy as demonstrated by allergy skin testing Asymptomatic on day of challenge. Exclusion Criteria: History of lung problems (including asthma), bleeding, neuromuscular, liver, kidney or heart disorders. History of anaphylaxis. Recent upper respiratory infection (less than 4 weeks prior to study) or other active infection. Active smoker or smoker in the past 2 years. Treatment with topical nasal steroids (< 1 month), systemic steroids (<1 month), oral antihistamines (< 1 week) prior to any nasal challenge. Use of leukotriene receptor antagonist (< 1 month ) prior to any nasal challenge Intranasal antihistamine or cromolyn use < 1 week prior to any nasal challenge . History of treatment with allergy immunotherapy. Inability to perform nasal lavage. Inability to give written informed consent Pregnancy

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Carbon Black<br> | Drug: Carbon Black<br>* source: commercial<br>|
| Experimental: Diesel Exhaust Particles<br> | Drug: Diesel Exhaust Particles<br>* source: diesel engine<br>|
| Experimental: Fine Concentrated Ambient Particles<br> | Drug: Fine Concentrated Ambient Particles<br>* source: concentrated ambient air<br>|
| Experimental: Ultrafine Concentrated Ambient Particles<br> | Drug: Ultrafine Concentrated Ambient Particles<br>* source: concentrated ambient air<br>|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo<br> | Drug: Saline<br>* Saline solution<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| The number of inflammatory cells in nasal lavage samples after exposure to 4 different types of particles |  | 6 and 24 hours after nasal challenge | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Differential cell count in nasal lavages |  | 6 and 24 hours post challenge | 
| IL-8 in nasal lavages |  | 6 and 24 hours post challenge | 
| TNFα in nasal lavages |  | 6 and 24 hours post challenge | 
| RANTES in nasal lavages |  | 6 and 24 hours post challenge | 
| MCP-1 in nasal lavages |  | 6 and 24 hours post challenge | 
| MIP-1α in nasal lavages |  | 6 and 24 hours post challenge | 
| GM-CSF in nasal lavages |  | 6 and 24 hours post challenge | 
| Nitrite in nasal lavages |  | 6 and 24 hours post challenge | 
| Induced ROS generation (presence of intracellular thiol, 8-Isoprostane, and hydrogen peroxide) in nasal lavage cells |  | 6 and 24 hours post challenge | 
| Phase II enzymes (HO-1, GSTP1, NQO1 and GSTM1) in nasal lavage |  | 6 and 24 hours post challenge | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Vehicle Emissions, Diesel Exhaust