How can CoPARC help you?

• Clinical and Translational research support in the area of alcohol abuse/dependence

• Biorepository of human participants’ specimens and data, including patients with COVID-19

• Focus on respiratory- or pulmonary-related disease, but consideration for investigations in other organ systems

• Exploratory investigations related to other substances commonly consumed with alcohol, including tobacco and cannabis

Welcome to CoPARC

The Colorado Pulmonary - Alcohol Research Collaborative (CoPARC) focuses on investigations in the pathogenesis and treatment of pulmonary (respiratory) diseases associated with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). CoPARC investigators seek to identify alcohol-related defects in pulmonary host defense. We believe that AUDs, with or without smoking, negatively impact the pulmonary immune response, rendering individuals more susceptible to bacterial pneumonia and the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We are also interested in considering the superimposed respiratory effects of tobacco and cannabis that are commonly consumed by people with AUDs. Mechanisms defined in healthy participants with AUDs will be further explored in cohorts of critically ill patients to determine their impact on clinical outcomes and to tailor therapy. 

With the COVID-19 pandemic, CoPARC has successfully executed numerous research adjustments to address safety concerns and institutional restrictions. Since pulmonary infections and ARDS have always been a focus for CoPARC, we remain committed to understanding the impact of alcohol use on the risk for COVID-19, as well as its impact on both short- and longer-term outcomes from this devastating illness.  We anticipate that the pandemic will have a substantial effect on alcohol and substance use behaviors, and we look forward to continuing our research in this area.

The CoPARC infrastructure at the University of Colorado has supported enrollment of participants with AUDs and matched controls, and critically ill patients who have respiratory failure, including patients with COVID-19, and patients with burn injuries. Detailed information regarding alcohol consumption habits, along with tobacco and cannabis use are obtained on all participants. Since 2011, an interactive environment has been developed between institutions with a history of NIAAA-funded translational research in pulmonary diseases, fostering growth of novel investigations, and providing opportunities for career development.