Actively Recruiting
Comparison of Microglial Activation in Severe Asthma and Healthy Controls
Led by University of Wisconsin, Madison · Updated on 2025-09-03
100
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
229 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Wisconsin, Madison
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about how asthma influences brain function. The main questions it aims to answer are: * How airway inflammation in asthma affects the brain; and, * Whether airway inflammation in asthma is related to symptoms of depression and anxiety Over the course of 3 visits, participants will: * Complete questionnaires * Complete computer tasks * Undergo allergy skin test and breathing tests * Give two blood samples * Give a sputum sample * Complete brain imaging scans Researchers will compare results between participants with asthma, and participants who do not have asthma.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Comparison of Microglial Activation in Severe Asthma and Healthy Controls
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Ability and willingness to sign written informed consent
- No health concerns that could affect study outcomes
- Age between 18 and 75 years
- Ability to tolerate a simulated MRI brain scan
- Capable and willing to cooperate with study procedures
- High-affinity TSPO-binding genotype; mixed affinity may be included at investigator's discretion
- For severe asthma participants: physician diagnosis of asthma for at least 6 months prior to screening
- Severe asthma meeting ATS definition and/or currently receiving GINA Step 4 or 5 therapy or daily 320mcg budesonide
- Use of approved biologic immunomodulators allowed
You will not qualify if you...
- Current smoker (more than 0.5 pack per week for past 6 months or any smoking within 2 weeks of study) or smoking history over 5 pack years within last 10 years
- Currently receiving allergen immunotherapy unless on stable dose
- Use of psychotropic medications affecting neurocircuitry (at investigator's discretion)
- Inability to hold medications per study medication hold schedule
- Needle phobia or claustrophobia
- Major health issues in last 6 months such as stroke, myocardial infarction, stent placement, or acute coronary syndrome
- Other major health problems judged by investigator including autoimmune disease, heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, lung diseases other than asthma, significant arrhythmias
- Use of biologic medications affecting signaling pathways under study (at investigator's discretion)
- Pre-existing chronic infectious disease
- Scheduled use of non-selective beta-blockers prior to study visits
- Use of investigational drugs within 30 days before study, with possible longer washout as determined by investigator
- MRI incompatibility per screening form
- History of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder
- History of serious head trauma or seizure disorder (may be included at investigator's discretion)
- Unable to comply with study procedures or tolerate participation
- Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy during study
- Any medical condition impacting safety or data integrity as judged by investigator
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Center for Healthy Minds
Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 53703
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rachel Kaspari
CONTACT
D
Danika Klaus
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
2
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