Examining lung bacteria and inflammation in early COPD patients

Lung Microbiome and Inflammation in Early Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Observational NYU Langone Health · NCT02777879

This study is trying to see how the bacteria in the lungs and inflammation levels differ between smokers with and without early COPD.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment230 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorNYU Langone Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT02777879 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the lung microbiome and inflammation in smokers with and without Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). It employs a cross-sectional case-controlled design to analyze active bacterial metabolic pathways in the lower airways using metagenomic and metabolomic techniques. The study aims to identify differences in microbiome composition and immune responses between COPD patients and matched controls. Researchers hypothesize that COPD cases will show a higher prevalence of specific bacterial taxa compared to controls.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include smokers with a history of more than 20 pack-years who exhibit early-stage COPD with airflow obstruction.

Not a fit: Patients with severe COPD, significant cardiovascular or metabolic diseases, or those currently using antibiotics may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of the role of the lung microbiome in COPD, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on the lung microbiome are emerging, this specific approach focusing on early COPD is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Case definition: Smokers (\>20 pack-year) with airflow obstruction (FEV1/FVC\<70) and FEV1\>50% predicted (early COPD GOLD 1 or 2)
* Control definition: Smokers with normal spirometry will serve as controls.

Exclusion Criteria:

* FEV1 \< 50% NOT 70
* Significant cardiovascular disease defined as abnormal EKG, known or suspected coronary artery disease or congestive heart failure.
* Diabetes mellitus
* Significant liver or renal disease
* Severe coagulopathy (INR \> 1.4, PTT \> 40 seconds and platelet count \< 150x103 cells).
* Pregnancy
* ETOH use of more than \>6 beers or \>4 mixed drinks daily
* Lack of capacity to provide informed consent.
* Antibiotic use within the prior 2months

Where this trial is running

New York, New York

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Chronic Obstuctive Pulmonary DiseaseChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.