Introduction:

Main

Biography: Basic Info

Bio-Sketch

Research Interests:
  - Allergic Rhinitis
  - Asthma Research
  - Atopic Dermatitis
  - COPD
  - Berylliosis

Protocols:
  - Immunocytochemistry
  - In Situ Hybridization
  - Western Blot
  - Histochemical Staining
  - Tissue Culture
  - Flow Cytometry
  - Genetic Cloning
  - LCM
  - PCR & Real-Time QPCR
  - Tissue Engineering
  - Antisense Technology
  - DNA Purification

Staff:
  - Research Technicians
  - Fellows
  - Students
  - Alumni

Curriculum Vitae:
  - Personal Information
  - Appointments
  - Past Appointments
  - Research Experience
  - Teaching Experience
  - Organized Courses
  - Administration
  - Memberships
  - Awards
  - Visiting Professor
  - Meetings
  - Editiorial Board

Publications:
  - 2005-Present
  - 2003-2004
  - 2000-2002
  - 1995-1999
  - 1990-1994
  - 1985-1989

Fellowships

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Research Interests



Asthma Research

Asthma is a common disease affecting close to 10% of the Canadian population. The main characteristics of asthma are the presence of respiratory symptoms associated with a variable airflow limitation, airway hyperresponsiveness, and bronchial inflammation and structural changes (remodelling). The asthmatic airways are infiltrated by eosinophils, mast cells and lymphocytes. The airway remodelling features are epithelial detachment, goblet cell and submucosal gland hyperplasia, smooth muscle cell hyperplasia and hypertrophy, subepithelial fibrosis, microvascular proliferation, cartilage changes, airway wall oedema. A good control of asthma can be obtained with inhaled corticosteroids. However, some patients, termed as severe asthmatics or having difficult-to-treat asthma, do not respond to steroids and need high doses of steroids and add-on therapy.

Our research group aims to understand the underlying features of severe asthma disease. Clinical research is currently done using a cohort of moderate and severe asthmatics with a long term follow-up. Clinical characterization is done using a wide screening testing to detect concomitant health problems. The inflammation and remodelling features are studied using induced sputum and endobronchial biopsies. The main aim is to describe the inflammation, the remodelling, the corticosteroids resistance and the potential chronic infection in these patients.