The Coastal Exposome: a Study of Sea Air Inhalation and Possible Links to Health

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

no intervention: no intervention, people just indicate if they spend time inland or at the coast

Study summary

The research aims to understand oceans as crucial contributors to human health in coastal environments. Oceans produce marine spray aerosols that contain a mixture of microbiota and natural biological molecules (biogenics).

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• nose swabs: respiratory microbiome and biogenics profile — 4 times during the 8 week study period
  DNA from the nose swabs will be analysed using sequencing for analyzing the microbiome. Biogenics on the swabs will be analysed as well, to get an idea of what molecules and microbiota from the sea air are inhaled. This will happen with UPLC-QTOF-MS.
• VAMS blood samples: cytokines — 4 times during the 8 week study period
  Cytokines will be measured in blood samples to link the sea air exposure to the human health. A multiplex kit will be used to measure 20 cytokines.
• GPS — during the 8 week study period, if more than 15 minutes spend outside
  via sensorlogger app on their phone, to collect GPS data when outside.
• questionnaires — at the start, in the middle and at the end of the 8 weeks.
  Filling in a questionnaire via qualtrics

Trial sites (1)

More University Ghent trials in Belgium