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Rasmussen SM, Hansen ESH, Backer V. Asthma in elite athletes - do they have Type 2 or non-Type 2 disease? A new insight on the endotypes among elite athletes. FRONTIERS IN ALLERGY 2022; 3:973004. [PMID: 36340019 PMCID: PMC9633848 DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2022.973004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction are highly prevalent in elite athletes compared with the general population. Some athletes have classic asthma with allergic sensitization; however, it seems that a proportion of athletes develop asthma as a result of several years of intensive training. It leads us to believe that asthma in athletes consists of at least two distinct endotypes - classic early-onset, Type 2 mediated asthma, and asthma with later onset caused by exercise which might be classified as non-Type 2 asthma. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current literature on asthma in athletes focusing on inflammation and examine if asthma in athletes could be characterized as either Type 2- or non-Type 2 asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Malte Rasmussen
- Medical Department, Nykøbing Falster Hospital, Nykøbing Falster, Denmark,Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark,Correspondence: Søren Malte Rasmussen
| | - Erik Sören Halvard Hansen
- Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark,Department of Respiratory Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Vibeke Backer
- Centre for Physical Activity Research (CFAS), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark,Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head / Neck surgery and Audiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Asthma and exercise-induced respiratory disorders in athletes. The position paper of the Polish Society of Allergology and Polish Society of Sports Medicine. Postepy Dermatol Alergol 2019; 36:1-10. [PMID: 30858772 PMCID: PMC6409872 DOI: 10.5114/ada.2019.82820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Exercise-induced respiratory symptoms describe acute airway narrowing that occurs as a result of exercise. It includes exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) and exercise-induced asthma (EIA) issues. To provide clinicians with practical guidelines, a multidisciplinary panel of stakeholders was convened to review the pathogenesis of EIB/EIA and to develop evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of EIB were developed. High-intensity exercise in polluted environment (cold air, humidity, contamination, allergens) may increase the risk of EIB and asthma symptoms in athletes. Diagnostic procedures should include history taking, physical examination, atopy assessment and functional tests of the respiratory system. A strong recommendation was made for regular use of inhaled glucocorticosteroids and avoidance of short-acting β2-agonists as the only treatment. The treatment of asthma in athletes should always take into account current anti-doping regulations. This position paper reflects the currently available evidence.
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Vakali S, Vogiatzis I, Florou A, Giavi S, Zakynthinos S, Papadopoulos NG, Gratziou C. Exercice-induced bronchoconstriction among athletes: Assessment of bronchial provocation tests. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2016; 235:34-39. [PMID: 27677405 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) requires the use of bronchial provocation tests (BPTs). We assessed exercise-induced respiratory symptoms (EIRS), EIB and asthma in athletes and evaluated the validity of BPTs in the diagnosis of EIB. Rhinitis and atopy were also assessed. Athletes with (n=55) and without previous asthma diagnosis (n=145) were tested by skin prick tests, lung function and eNO measurements. EIRS were recorded and EIB was assessed by methacholine (Mch), eucapnic voluntary hyperpnoea (EVH), mannitol and exercise test. EIRS were highly reported and history of asthma was common among athletes. A high prevalence of atopy (48.7%) and allergic rhinitis (30.5%) was found. Athletes with asthma had a higher response rate to Mch and to EVH, as compared with athletes without a previous asthma diagnosis (P=0.012 and P=0.017 respectively). Report of EIRS, rhinitis and atopy were not associated with a positive BPT response. Screening athletes for EIB using BPTs is suggested, irrespective of reported EIRS or a previous asthma diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Vakali
- Asthma and Allergy Centre, Medical School, University of Athens, Evgenidio Hospital, Athens, Greece.
| | - I Vogiatzis
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences and 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - A Florou
- Asthma and Allergy Centre, Medical School, University of Athens, Evgenidio Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - S Giavi
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Zakynthinos
- Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences and 1st Department of Critical Care Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - N G Papadopoulos
- Allergy Department, 2nd Pediatric Clinic, University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Centre for Pediatrics and Child Health, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, UK
| | - Ch Gratziou
- Asthma and Allergy Centre, Medical School, University of Athens, Evgenidio Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Selge C, Thomas S, Nowak D, Radon K, Wolfarth B. Asthma prevalence in German Olympic athletes: A comparison of winter and summer sport disciplines. Respir Med 2016; 118:15-21. [PMID: 27578466 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2016.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence of asthma in elite athletes shows very wide ranges. It remains unclear to what extent this is influenced by the competition season (winter vs. summer) or the ventilation rate achieved during competition. The aim of this study was to evaluate prevalence of asthma in German elite winter and summer athletes from a wide range of sport disciplines and to identify high risk groups. METHODS In total, 265 German elite winter athletes (response 77%) and 283 German elite summer athletes (response 64%) answered validated respiratory questionnaires. Using logistic regression, the asthma risks associated with competition season and ventilation rate during competition, respectively, were investigated. A subset of winter athletes was also examined for their FENO-levels and lung function. RESULTS With respect to all asthma outcomes, no association was found with the competition season. Regarding the ventilation rate, athletes in high ventilation sports were at increased risk of asthma, as compared to athletes in low ventilation sports (doctors' diagnosed asthma: OR 2.32, 95% CI 1.19-4.53; use of asthma medication: OR 4.46, 95% CI 1.52-13.10; current wheeze or use of asthma medication: OR 2.78, 95% CI 1.34-5.76). Athletes with doctors' diagnosed asthma were at an approximate four-fold risk of elevated FENO-values. CONCLUSIONS The clinically relevant finding of this study is that athletes' asthma seems to be more common in sports with high ventilation during competition, whereas the summer or winter season had no impact on the frequency of the disease. Among winter athletes, elevated FENO suggested suboptimal control of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Selge
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany.
| | - Silke Thomas
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany.
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany.
| | - Katja Radon
- Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital Munich (LMU), Munich, Germany; Comprehensive Pneumology Center Munich (CPC-M), Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Munich, Germany.
| | - Bernd Wolfarth
- Department of Sport Medicine Humboldt University and Charité University School of Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
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Kurowski M, Jurczyk J, Krysztofiak H, Kowalski ML. Exercise-induced respiratory symptoms and allergy in elite athletes: Allergy and Asthma in Polish Olympic Athletes (A(2)POLO) project within GA(2)LEN initiative. CLINICAL RESPIRATORY JOURNAL 2014; 10:231-8. [PMID: 25196323 DOI: 10.1111/crj.12210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2014] [Revised: 08/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exercise-induced respiratory symptoms are often reported by professional athletes, but asthma and allergy are underdiagnosed. Few studies used standardized questionnaires combined with clinical assessment to investigate asthma and allergy among athletes. OBJECTIVES Assessment of the prevalence of allergy and asthma symptoms among Polish professional athletes and confronting it with clinical data. METHODS Two hundred twenty-two Olympic athletes participated in the project being part of the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2) LEN) Olympic study. Allergy and asthma status was determined using Allergy Questionnaire for Athletes (AQUA), spirometry, reversibility test, methacholine challenge and skin prick testing. Final diagnosis was established by an allergist. RESULTS At least one exercise-induced asthma (EIA) symptom was reported by 28.4% athletes, and finally asthma diagnosis was established in 11.3% while only 5.9% of athletes had history of asthma. Reversibility test was positive in 36% of athletes finally diagnosed with asthma. Allergic rhinitis (AR) symptoms were reported by 27%, and the diagnosis was confirmed in 21% of athletes while only 9% had previously diagnosed AR. No significant differences in frequency of asthma and AR were observed between endurance and non-endurance athletes. CONCLUSIONS High prevalence of exercise-induced respiratory symptoms among top athletes is not reflected by asthma diagnosis. As it was expected, our data confirm that - in diagnosis of EIA - lung function testing alone is not useful, whereas reversibility tests are of limited value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Kurowski
- Department of Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergy, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
| | - Janusz Jurczyk
- COMS National Centre for Sports Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Marek L Kowalski
- Department of Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergy, Medical University of Łódź, Łódź, Poland
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Kurowski M, Jurczyk J, Jarzębska M, Moskwa S, Makowska JS, Krysztofiak H, Kowalski ML. Association of serum Clara cell protein CC16 with respiratory infections and immune response to respiratory pathogens in elite athletes. Respir Res 2014; 15:45. [PMID: 24735334 PMCID: PMC3997232 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-15-45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory epithelium integrity impairment caused by intensive exercise may lead to exercise-induced bronchoconstriction. Clara cell protein (CC16) has anti-inflammatory properties and its serum level reflects changes in epithelium integrity and airway inflammation. This study aimed to investigate serum CC16 in elite athletes and to seek associations of CC16 with asthma or allergy, respiratory tract infections (RTIs) and immune response to respiratory pathogens. METHODS The study was performed in 203 Olympic athletes. Control groups comprised 53 healthy subjects and 49 mild allergic asthmatics. Serum levels of CC16 and IgG against respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae were assessed. Allergy questionnaire for athletes was used to determine symptoms and exercise pattern. Current versions of ARIA and GINA guidelines were used when diagnosing allergic rhinitis and asthma, respectively. RESULTS Asthma was diagnosed in 13.3% athletes, of whom 55.6% had concomitant allergic rhinitis. Allergic rhinitis without asthma was diagnosed in 14.8% of athletes. Mean CC16 concentration was significantly lower in athletes versus healthy controls and mild asthmatics. Athletes reporting frequent RTIs had significantly lower serum CC16 and the risk of frequent RTIs was more than 2-fold higher in athletes with low serum CC16 (defined as equal to or less than 4.99 ng/ml). Athletes had significantly higher anti-adenovirus IgG than healthy controls while only non-atopic athletes had anti-parainfluenza virus IgG significantly lower than controls. In all athletes weak correlation of serum CC16 and anti-parainfluenza virus IgG was present (R = 0.20, p < 0.01). In atopic athletes a weak positive correlations of CC16 with IgG specific for respiratory syncytial virus (R = 0.29, p = 0.009), parainfluenza virus (R = 0.31, p = 0.01) and adenovirus (R = 0.27, p = 0.02) were seen as well. CONCLUSIONS Regular high-load exercise is associated with decrease in serum CC16 levels. Athletes with decreased CC16 are more susceptible to respiratory infections. Atopy may be an additional factor modifying susceptibility to infections in subjects performing regular high-load exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marek L Kowalski
- Department of Immunology, Rheumatology and Allergy, Medical University of Łódź, ul, Pomorska 251, bud, C-5, Łódź 92-213, Poland.
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Grob NM, Laskowski D, Dweik RA. A technical report on exhaled nitric oxide measurement: asthma monitoring in athletes. J Breath Res 2012; 2:37027. [PMID: 20622980 DOI: 10.1088/1752-7155/2/3/037027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Exhaled NO (FE(NO)) measurements have been utilized as a marker to diagnose asthma as well as a non-invasive tool for monitoring airway inflammation and the response to anti-inflammatory medications. One area where this non-invasive monitoring may be helpful is for asthmatic athletes as they train for competitive events. We hypothesized that in the course of training an asthmatic individual may experience worsening of lung inflammation reflected in FE(NO) levels that may be too subtle to detect by conventional methods like spirometry. Data were collected from an asthmatic patient (n = 1) over the course of endurance training using both the desktop (NIOX) and the portable NO (MINO) analyzers daily for eight weeks. We found that average NO levels measured in the desktop system correlated well with the two portable analyzers (r(2) =0.73, r(2) = 0.74 p < 0.0001); additionally, there was a strong correlation between the two MINO devices (r(2) = 0.88; p < 0.0001). A strong negative relationship existed between the number of miles run and NO, regardless of the device used. FEV(1) and PEF, however, did not change significantly as the miles run increased. Exercise training in asthmatics was associated with a decrease (improvement) in NO levels but no significant change in FEV(1) and PEF. This suggests that exhaled NO levels may be more sensitive to changes in the airway as a result of exercise than traditional pulmonary function testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia M Grob
- Department of Pathobiology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Sastre B, Fernández-Nieto M, Rodríguez-Nieto MJ, Aguado E, Sastre J, del Pozo V. Distinctive bronchial inflammation status in athletes: basophils, a new player. Eur J Appl Physiol 2012; 113:703-11. [PMID: 22918559 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-012-2475-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to establish bronchial inflammation status and to measure eicosanoids in sputum obtained from active elite athletes. A total of 68 subjects were enrolled. Twelve were non-athletes and non-asthmatic (NAtNAs), 21 non-athlete asthmatics (NAtAs), 11 athlete non-asthmatics (AtNAs), and 24 athletes with asthma (AtAs) with positive indirect or direct bronchial challenges. Induced sputum was used to measure cells and eicosanoids. Sputum differential cell counts in all the subject groups revealed eosinophilia with the exception of NAtNAs control subjects. Athletes with and without diagnosed asthma showed a significant increase in bronchial epithelial cells and lymphocytes present in their sputum. Also, flow cytometry revealed that a significantly higher number of basophils were present in sputum from athletes (without and with asthma) when compared with non-athletes (without and with asthma). Asthmatic athletes and non-athletes showed a higher increase in LTC(4) levels and PGE(2) metabolites in sputum when compared with healthy controls. The present study identifies basophils as a new player present in athletes bronchial inflammation defining athlete status and not necessarily associated with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Sastre
- Immunology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez-Díaz, Avda. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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De Luca JF, Adams BB, Yosipovitch G. Skin Manifestations of Athletes Competing in the Summer Olympics. Sports Med 2012; 42:399-413. [DOI: 10.2165/11599050-000000000-00000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Thomas S, Wolfarth B, Wittmer C, Nowak D, Radon K. Self-reported asthma and allergies in top athletes compared to the general population - results of the German part of the GA2LEN-Olympic study 2008. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol 2010; 6:31. [PMID: 21118543 PMCID: PMC3004879 DOI: 10.1186/1710-1492-6-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2010] [Accepted: 11/30/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prevalence of asthma and allergies in top athletes is high. However, most previous studies did not include a general population comparison group. We aimed to compare the prevalence of asthma, allergies and medical treatment in different groups of German top athletes to the general population. Methods Prior to the 2008 Summer Olympic Games, 291 German candidates for participation (65%) completed a questionnaire on respiratory and allergic symptoms. Results were compared to those of a general population study in Germany (n = 2425, response 68%). Furthermore, associations between types of sports and the self-reported outcomes were calculated. All models were adjusted for age, sex, level of education and smoking. Results Athletes reported significantly more doctors' diagnosed asthma (17% vs. 7%), more current use of asthma medication (10% vs. 4%) and allergic rhinitis (25% vs. 17%) compared to the general population. After adjustment, top athletes only had an increased Odds Ratio for doctor's diagnosed asthma (OR: 1.6; 95% CI 1.1-2.5). Compared to the general population, athletes in endurance sports had an increased OR for doctor's diagnosed asthma (2.4; 1.5-3.8) and current use of asthma medication (1.8; 1.0-3.4). In this group, current wheeze was increased when use of asthma medication was taken into account (1.8; 1.1-2.8). For other groups of athletes, no significantly increased ORs were observed. Conclusions Compared to the general population, an increased risk of asthma diagnosis and treatment was shown for athletes involved in endurance sports. This might be due to a better medical surveillance and treatment of these athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Thomas
- Unit for Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology & NetTeaching, Institute and Outpatient Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Clinical Center of the Ludwig Maximilian University, Ziemssenstr, 1, 80336 Munich, Germany.
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Madore AM, Laprise C. Immunological and genetic aspects of asthma and allergy. J Asthma Allergy 2010; 3:107-21. [PMID: 21437045 PMCID: PMC3047903 DOI: 10.2147/jaa.s8970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of allergy and allergic asthma are increasing worldwide. More than half of the US population has a positive skin prick test and approximately 10% are asthmatics. Many studies have been conducted to define immunological pathways underlying allergy and asthma development and to identify the main genetic determinants. In the effort to find missing pieces of the puzzle, new genomic approaches and more standardized ones, such as the candidate gene approach, have been used collectively. This article proposes an overview of the actual knowledge about immunological and genetic aspects of allergy and asthma. Special attention has been drawn to the challenges linked to genetic research in complex traits such as asthma and to the contribution of new genomic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Marie Madore
- Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, Département des sciences fondamentales, Saguenay, Canada
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[GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network), the perspective of the German speaking centers]. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2010; 121:589-97. [PMID: 19890749 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-009-1246-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2009] [Accepted: 09/14/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Allergic diseases represent a major health problem in Europe. They are increasing in prevalence, severity and costs. GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network), an FP6 Network of Excellence, was created in 2005 as a vehicle to ensure excellence in research bringing together research and clinical institutions to combat fragmentation in the European research area and to tackle allergy as a whole. GA2LEN benefited greatly from the voluntary efforts of researchers who are strongly committed to this model of pan-European collaboration. The network was organized in order to increase networking for scientific projects in allergy and asthma around Europe and to make GA2LEN the world leader in the field. Besides these activities, research has been jointly made and the first papers are being published. GA2LEN achievements in general can be grouped as those for a durable infrastructure built up during the project phase those which are project-related work based on these novel infrastructures, and the development and implementations of guidelines. The major achievements of GA2LEN are reported in this paper.
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Bousquet J, Kauffmann F, Demoly P, Leynaert B, Bousquet PJ, Demenais F, Lenzen G, Burney PG, Zuberbier T, Van Cauwenberge P. [GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network)]. Rev Mal Respir 2009; 26:577-86. [PMID: 19623103 DOI: 10.1016/s0761-8425(09)74689-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Allergic diseases represent a major health problem in Europe. They are increasing in prevalence, severity and costs. GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network), an FP6 Network of Excellence, was created in 2005 as a vehicle to ensure excellence in research bringing together research and clinical institutions to combat fragmentation in the European research area and to tackle Allergy in its globality. GA2LEN benefited greatly from the voluntary efforts of researchers who are strongly committed to this model of pan-European collaboration. The network was organized in order to increase networking for scientific projects in allergy and asthma around Europe and to make GA2LEN the world leader in the field. Besides these activities, research has been jointly made and the first papers are being published. GA2LEN achievements in general can be grouped as those for a durable infrastructure built up during the project phase those which are project-related work based on these novel infrastructures, and the development and implementations of guidelines. The major achievements of GA2LEN are reported in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bousquet
- CHU, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Inserm U780, Montpellier, France.
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Bousquet J, Burney PG, Zuberbier T, Cauwenberge PV, Akdis CA, Bindslev-Jensen C, Bonini S, Fokkens WJ, Kauffmann F, Kowalski ML, Lodrup-Carlsen K, Mullol J, Nizankowska-Mogilnicka E, Papadopoulos N, Toskala E, Wickman M, Anto J, Auvergne N, Bachert C, Bousquet PJ, Brunekreef B, Canonica GW, Carlsen KH, Gjomarkaj M, Haahtela T, Howarth P, Lenzen G, Lotvall J, Radon K, Ring J, Salapatas M, Schünemann HJ, Szczecklik A, Todo-Bom A, Valovirta E, von Mutius E, Zock JP. GA2LEN (Global Allergy and Asthma European Network) addresses the allergy and asthma 'epidemic'. Allergy 2009; 64:969-77. [PMID: 19392994 DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02059.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Allergic diseases represent a major health problem in Europe. They are increasing in prevalence, severity and costs. The Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2)LEN), a Sixth EU Framework Program for Research and Technological Development (FP6) Network of Excellence, was created in 2005 as a vehicle to ensure excellence in research bringing together research and clinical institutions to combat fragmentation in the European research area and to tackle allergy in its globality. The Global Allergy and Asthma European Network has benefited greatly from the voluntary efforts of researchers who are strongly committed to this model of pan-European collaboration. The network was organized in order to increase networking for scientific projects in allergy and asthma around Europe and to make GA(2)LEN the world leader in the field. Besides these activities, research has also been carried out and the first papers are being published. Achievements of the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network can be grouped as follows: (i) those for a durable infrastructure built up during the project phase, (ii) those which are project-related and based on these novel infrastructures, and (iii) the development and implementation of guidelines. The major achievements of GA(2)LEN are reported in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Bousquet
- University Hospital and INSERM U780, Hôpital Arnaud de Villeneuve, Montpellier, France
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