Respiratory Pathology 2025

Unlocking Relief: Managing Type 1 Hypersensitivity and Asthma - Team 11

Media Type: Presentation

Summary

The immune system is a collection of proteins, organs, and cells that work together to protect humans or hosts from dangers such as bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and toxins. A broad class of immune disorders are hyperfunctions in which there is an excessive immune response. Consequences include excess swelling, fatigue, fever, or weight loss. Hyperfunction can be further classified into four subtypes. Of interest here is Type 1 hypersensitivity.

Type 1 hypersensitivity is also referred to as IgE hyperproduction and especially refers to allergic reactions. IgE is a type of immunoglobulin which is created as part of the immune response. Immunoglobulins function to recognize harmful substances in the body and signal to the immune system that something is wrong and needs to be cleared. A well known function of IgE is to trigger the release of proinflammatory mediators such as histamines. They also send signals to other immune cells like T cells to signal for an immune response.

Asthma is a common health condition that is impacted by type 1 hypersensitivity and IgE. Asthma is a condition in which patients have narrowed airways and bronchoconstriction with increased mucus production. This often is a response of hypersensitivity type 1 in response to allergens like pollen and dust. Treatments included reducing airway constriction and avoiding or managing triggers.

This module was created for the PULSE project as a part of Pathology 3500 course. We walk individuals through a presentation following the background of hypersensitivity and how it relates to allergen-induced asthma. We discuss treatments and therapies for asthma. We end the module with a case study and quiz style questions in order to challenge the reader and reinforce concepts.

Keywords: Hypersensitivity, Immunoglobins, Respiratory Tract, Asthma, Corticosteroids, Allergens

It’s a Sticky Situation: Cystic Fibrosis - Team 23

Media Type: Infographic

Summary

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. This gene creates a protein that helps regulate salt and water movement in-and-out of cells, primarily in the lungs and pancreas. CFTR dysfunction leads to the accumulation of thick and sticky mucus that can block the airway and digestive tract.

CF is a relatively common disorder, diagnosed for 1 in 3600 live births in North America. Despite its high prevalence, CF continues to be misunderstood and mischaracterized as a purely respiratory disease, when it is much more than that.

Our assignment is an interactive infographic that takes the learner on a journey through CF, from diagnosis to treatment and everything in between. This educational infographic was created to explain CF in a way that’s clear, simple, and accessible to an audience without a scientific background and one that reflects different styles of learning. After or while engaging in the information displayed on the infographic, learners can listen to an audio-format of the information. Practice questions, made accessible through the infographic, provide an opportunity for readers to engage in active recall, helping reinforce the key concepts about CF and deepen understanding.

Keywords: Cystic Fibrosis, Autosomal Recessive, CFTR Gene, CFTR Protein, Lungs, Pancreas

Mesothelioma, a Pathological Examination - Team 30

Media Type: Magazine

Summary

The lungs are a vital organ! They are responsible for getting oxygen into the body, removing carbon dioxide and have other metabolic contributions. One key cell type surrounding the organs, particularly the lungs, is mesothelial cells which act as a protective and connective lining. When these cells grow abnormally and uncontrolled, it gives rise to mesothelioma, a type of aggressive cancer. Mesothelioma represents less than 1% of all cancer types but is associated with very poor outcomes. Some symptoms include difficulty breathing, chest pain, weight loss and abdominal pain. Interestingly, the major risk factor for mesothelioma development is asbestos exposure, which is a naturally occurring silicate fibre that was widely used in industrial manufacturing. It is important to learn about mesothelioma because although asbestos is not as common in manufacturing today, incidences of this cancer are still relatively high and there is no cure once the disease process starts. This makes mesothelioma a potential avenue for future research.

This project is in the style of a magazine to provide a visually appealing and engaging format covering information on risk factors, development and diagnosis of mesothelioma. Each page highlights a key aspect of the disease, such as the history, abnormal cell development, or possible treatments. The magazine also includes a section where learners can review their knowledge on mesothelioma through a case study and quiz questions, both generated by ChatGPT.

Mesothelioma was chosen for this project because of its unique risk factors and history. The topic was not described in much detail in class; however, it provides an outlook on the environmental aspects of pathology. Asbestos is a known carcinogen, yet it is still used in some applications. With mesothelioma having no cure, it is interesting to examine the ethical considerations, which is a thought-provoking addition to the Pathology 3500 content.

Keywords: Cancer, Asbestos, Erionite, Respiratory, Pleura