We are looking at how your diet and gut bacteria affect your immune system when you have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) (emphysema or chronic bronchitis).

Why is the research being done?

There is evidence that changing the bacteria in the gut can improve lung health. Researchers would like to understand more about this and how the gut and diet affects the lungs and breathing. This research may help us discover new therapies for people who have COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis). This is the first time this research is being done.

Who can participate in the research study?

Researchers are currently looking to recruit participants who are:

• Adults with COPD (emphysema or chronic bronchitis) who do not currently smoke and;
•  Adults without COPD (to be in the control or comparison group) who do not currently smoke.

This study may not be for you if you:

• Smoke
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have a terminal illness or cancer, or
• Take certain medications, for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease

What will study participants be asked to do?

The study involves a:

• Telephone screen, to confirm if this study is right for you.
•  A study visit at the Hunter Medical Research Institute. This visit will include a fasting blood test, some breathing tests, height, weight, and blood pressure measurements, and some questionnaires. This study is a single visit that takes 1.5-2 hours at a time convenient for you.
• You will be provided with a $20 gift voucher to cover travel costs associated with taking part in the study.

We may invite you back for a second study visit, a minimum of 4 weeks later. This will have the same tests and surveys as Visit 1.

How to participate

Please download the Participant Information Statements here to see if this study is right for you.

Participant Information Statement – Adults with COPD
Participant Information Statement – Adults without COPD (Controls Group)

If you wish to express your interest in participating please contact:

Study Coordinator: Laura Dowling
Phone: (02) 4042 0995
Email: [email protected]