Publications by authors named "Timothy Sc Hinks"
Macrolides reduce exacerbations when added to inhaled therapy in severe asthma. However, there is little published evidence for effectiveness in patients treated with biologics. We conducted a retrospective audit of all patients who started azithromycin while on biologics in our centre.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIntroduction: The hallmark of most patients with severe asthma is type 2 inflammation, driven by innate and adaptive immune responses leading to either allergic or non-allergic eosinophilic infiltration of airways. The cellular and molecular pathways underlying severe type 2 asthma can be successfully targeted by specific monoclonal antibodies.
Areas Covered: This review article provides a concise overview of the pathophysiology of type 2 asthma, followed by an updated appraisal of the mechanisms of action and therapeutic efficacy of currently available biologic treatments used for management of severe type 2 asthma.
Article Synopsis
- The severity of COVID-19 infection is influenced by how quickly the virus replicates and the strength of the host's immune response, particularly T cell activity.
- Recent research highlights that cholesterol metabolism plays a crucial role in the SARS-CoV-2 life cycle and T cell function.
- The study finds that the drug Avasimibe, which blocks the enzyme ACAT, inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infection and enhances the immune response by promoting the growth of T cells specific to the virus.
Background: Asthma affects 350 million people worldwide including 45% to 70% with mild disease. Treatment is mainly with inhalers containing beta₂-agonists, typically taken as required to relieve bronchospasm, and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) as regular preventive therapy. Poor adherence to regular therapy is common and increases the risk of exacerbations, morbidity and mortality.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, is a global health issue with unprecedented challenges for public health. SARS-CoV-2 primarily infects cells of the respiratory tract, via Spike glycoprotein binding angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE2). Circadian rhythms coordinate an organism’s response to its environment and can regulate host susceptibility to virus infection.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF