University of Newcastle and HMRI Immune Health researchers are collaborating with clinical trial sites around Australia to explore the impact of soluble fibre on inflammation and the gut microbiome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  

Dr Bronwyn Berthon, study co-lead, says, “When you eat fibre, it gets broken down in your gut by the healthy bugs that live there. This keeps your healthy gut bugs happy and fed, but they also make small compounds which can travel into the bloodstream and throughout the body. These compounds and the bugs in your gut, link your gut to your lungs.  

“We know that changing the bacteria in the gut can improve lung health and that dietary fibre is the best way to increase the healthy bugs in your gut. But generally, Australians don’t eat enough dietary fibre.  

Our research has already shown that soluble fibre supplements reduce both inflammation in the lungs, and symptoms in people with asthma. Now, we are testing these supplements in people who have COPD,” says Dr Berthon. 

Soluble fibre is found in plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, oats, barley and legumes. 

Dr Kurtis Budden, study co-lead, says, “A lot of the damage in COPD patients comes from our own immune system – it is basically ‘running hot’ all the time instead of providing us with precise protection against infections. Targeting the microbiome helps train our immune system to respond appropriately, calming down the excessive inflammation driving disease but maintaining the protective functions.” 

Dr Berthon says, “What we want to know is whether treatments that target the gut microbiome will reduce inflammation in COPD. We will look at how soluble fibre affects the lungs and if it can reduce COPD symptoms.”  

The ANTIC Study: A Nutrition Trial in COPD, will start recruiting for the Newcastle site at HMRI in January 2025. The study is being led by The University of Sydney and the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre in Sydney.  

People with COPD in the Newcastle area who are interested in finding out more information on the trial can contact Dr Berthon via email at [email protected].  

About Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

• COPD is a chronic lung disease characterised by restricted airflow and breathing problems. It is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis.
• COPD is the 4th leading cause of death worldwide.
• Symptoms of the disease include cough, sometimes with phlegm, difficulty breathing, wheezing and fatigue.
• Tobacco smoking is the most common risk factor for COPD, with almost half of people living with the disease being former smokers, and 25% currently smoking.