The ALLIANCE Cohort is a nationwide long-term study of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL). Since its launch in 2013, more than 1,400 patients with asthma and healthy individuals aged between six months and 84 years have been enrolled. The ALLIANCE Cohort provides valuable data on the different courses of asthma bronchiale in children, adolescents, and adults up to senior age. Initial results show that there are various types of asthma that differ both in their progression and with regard to genetic foundations and immune responses. These findings contribute to asthma being diagnosed more precisely and treated more individually and effectively in the future. The long-term goal is to prevent the development of asthma (prevention) and to cure those affected.

The open day took place at the Research Center of the Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology, and Neonatology (MHH), where the working group of the ALLIANCE Cohort and its laboratories are also based. The day began with a short introduction by the two study physicians, Dr. Ruth Grychtol and Dr. Marie Bickes, on the development of asthma and its different courses. The two doctors then reported on the study’s previous research results and new approaches for future investigations. Afterwards, together with study nurses Eva Albinus and Nasanin Schröder and student assistant Pia Hoffmann, the study physicians guided the visitors through the laboratories. There, they gave fascinating insights into everyday research and explained in a vivid way how the samples collected in the study are processed.

Afterwards, everyone had the chance to become little researchers themselves: in real experiments prepared with great care and easy-to-follow instructions by Pia Hoffmann and Katarina Kast – a participant in the Voluntary Scientific Year – oral mucosa swabs were examined under the microscope, strawberry DNA was extracted, and colorful pictures were created with pipettes and watercolors. The children in particular participated enthusiastically and asked many questions – creating a lively atmosphere that also visibly inspired the parents.

In addition to the hands-on activities, the day was also a wonderful opportunity for personal encounters. Many families took the chance to talk directly with the doctors and nurses and to learn more about the background of the cohort and the importance of their participation for research. “This was our first open day, and we definitely want to repeat this idea. With such activities, we want to give something back to the families and show how much we appreciate their participation in the cohort,” emphasized Dr. Ruth Grychtol.

The day was marked by curiosity, joy, and exciting discoveries, impressively showing the great dedication and passion of the entire team behind the ALLIANCE Cohort.

Anyone interested in becoming part of the ALLIANCE Cohort is welcome to contact KIRA@mh-hannover.de by email. Further information about the study can be found on the DZL website: ALLIANCE – All Age Asthma Cohort.

Text: BREATH/ AB

Fotos: BREATH/AB