Study Background

This is a prospective, cross-sectional study designed to provide a consistent method for obtaining biological samples and respiratory health-related information from participants for use in research that evaluates lung function (e.g., responses to environmental agents such as air pollution particles, engineered nanomaterials, or immune ligands; the role of genetics on cellular responses or functioning).

Study participants will be adult volunteers, ages 18–65 (inclusive), who meet eligibility criteria to undergo bronchoscopy. Potential participants will be prescreened and scheduled for a final eligibility visit that will include medical history review, vital signs, physical examination, blood draw, and pulmonary function tests. After eligibility is confirmed, the participant will be scheduled for biological sample collections, which will include a blood draw and bronchoscopy.

The objective of this protocol is to investigate the role of cytochrome P450 (CYP) epoxygenase pathway enzymes, including the soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH; encoded by EPHX2) and CYP2J2 proteins, in macrophage function and inflammatory responses. The primary outcome measure will evaluate macrophage phagocytosis in an ex vivo assay, comparing groups of individuals with and without EPHX2 and CYP2J2 polymorphisms of interest. Secondary outcomes will include evaluations of ex vivo gene expression of inflammatory receptors and cytokines in stimulated macrophages (alveolar and peripheral blood monocyte-derived), assessment of the lower airway microbiome from bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid, and measurement of eicosanoids and cytokines in serum and BAL fluid.