Current Research: Airway physiology and pharmacology. Airway mucus is an adhesive, viscoelastic gel consisting of water, high molecular weight, slip-linked glycoproteins, serum and cellular proteins, and lipids. Mucus is cleared by airflow and ciliary interactions. Sputum, which is mucus mixed with inflammatory cells, cellular debris, and bacteria, is cleared by cough. Mucus retention is usually due to hypersecretion and impaired clearance. Infected secretions that pool in the airway induce inflammation that can damage the airway epithelium. Our research includes studying the mechanism of hypersecretion in cell culture and animal models and determining how the biopolymer structure of secretions affects transport and eventually health in human clinical studies. We are also involved in mucoactive drug development and testing. The mucus barrier and airway defense. Although mucus hypersecretion has long been assumed to be detrimental to health, we have data which suggest that the mucus barrier is critical to preventing chronic airway infection and inflammation and that chronic airway infection on cystic fibrosis is due, at least in part, to decreased secretion of these protective mucins. In collaboration with Dr. Dan Wozniak and Dr. Ed Swords we are investigating the interaction between bacteria, mucus, and the airway epithelium. Adherence and outcomes in asthma We are determining factors that influence adherence to therapy in children and adults with asthma and developing new strategies to improve asthma care and new devices to improve the delivery of aerosol medications. Recent Publications: Rubin BK. Mucolytics, expectorants, and mucokinetic medications. Respir Care. 2007 Jul;52(7):859-65. Davies JC, Rubin BK. Emerging and unusual gram-negative infections in cystic fibrosis. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2007 Jun; 28(3):312-21. Rubin BK, Bush A Guest Editors. Pediatric Pulmonology. Semin Respir Crit Care Med. 2007 Jun;28(3):253-254. Kim JS, Rubin BK. Nasal and sinus inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. COPD. 2007 Jun;4(2):163-6. Rubin BK, Fink JB. Novel medications for asthma: a look at the future. Expert Opin Investig Drugs. 2007 Jun;16(6):889-97. Publications:
For a listing of additional publications, refer to PubMed, a service provided by the National Library of Medicine |