Investigating the effectiveness of nebulised Pulmozyme (dornase alfa) in reducing inflammation in chronic airway disease

People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) or asthma usually experience swelling (inflammation) in their airways (breathing tubes), that makes is difficult to breathe. This inflammation can worsen their condition and lead to further medical problems. An inflammatory cell called the neutrophil is often present in the airways of people with COPD or asthma, and when activated these cells release molecules that lead to swelling and damage of the lungs. Neutrophils also release ‘extracellular traps’ called NETs, which look like a spider web and are made up of the cell’s DNA (the genetic code which carries all the information about how we look and function) and other inflammatory molecules. These traps can kill bacteria, however if they are not cleared they are toxic to the lungs. We have shown a build-up of NETs in sputum from patients with COPD and asthma. In another lung disease called cystic fibrosis, NETs are broken down and cleared by a treatment called Pulmozyme, which improves lung function and decreases lung attacks. This study will investigate NETs in COPD and asthma, their effects on the lungs, and whether treatment with Pulmozyme can improve symptoms.