Role of Endothelial Function in SCI CVD Risk

Drug
General health
Online since 3 July 2024, updated 353 days ago

About this trial

Individuals with spinal cord injury have heart attacks and strokes more frequently, and much earlier in life. People with spinal cord injuries develop plaque in vessels much faster, and the reasons wh...

Included participants

Gender
All
Age
18 - 89 years
Injury level
T2 - S5
  • Severity (AIS)?
  • AIS-A
    AIS-B
    Time since injury
    ≥ 12 months
  • Injury type
  • Traumatic

    Healthy volunteers
    Yes
    T2-S5
    Additionally, participants must
    NOT have a history of high cholesterol, diabetes (type I or II), obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney or liver disease, cance, autoimmune disease

    What’s involved

    Type

    Observational

    Details

    Adults with spinal cord injury (SCI) demonstrate accelerated atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) occurring ~4 fold more often, and decades earlier in life. Importantly, atherosclerosis has been detected in people with SCI independent of traditional risk factors, much earlier in life, and appear recalcitrant to conventional risk mitigating inventions such as exercise and diet. Also, as disease is silent, many individuals are not screened for this atherosclerotic burden and only aware after the major vascular event of a myocardial infarction or stroke. The mechanisms which drive early ASCVD is unknown. Endothelial cell dysfunction precedes radiographic or angiographic evidence of atherosclerosis, and plays a central role in the development, progression and severity of atherosclerotic vascular disease. While it has been suggested that SCI results in compromised endothelial health, there is little empirical data on the degree or scope of impairment as well as mechanisms underlying any potential impairment. Endothelial dysfunction may be an important factor underlying the increased risk and prevalence of ASCVD and associated events in adults with SCI and a viable target for therapeutic intervention. Preliminary data suggests primary endothelial cell impairment related to its vasodilator function and provide potential mechanisms related to oxidative stress burden. The investigators also present the potential of endothelial cell derived microvesicles as a biomarker and mediator of endothelial cell dysfunction. The aim of this proposal is to determine whether endothelial function is impaired in adults with SCI. Our hypothesis is that endothelium-dependent vasodilation is impaired in adults with SCI and oxidative stress and endothelial cell derived microvesicles contribute to this dysfunction. Results supporting this hypothesis will: 1) provide mechanistic insight into the excess risk of ASCVD in adults with SCI; 2) identify therapeutic targets for reducing cardiovascular risk in this population; and 3) provide scientific rationale for vascular-related treatment clinical trials aimed at improving vascular health and reducing cardiovascular risk in individuals with SCI.

    Potential benefits

    Main benefits

    General health

    Additional benefits

    Good to know: Potential benefits are defined as outcomes that are being measured during and/or after the trial.

    Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder

    Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.

    Learn more

    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Sep 2024
    • Organisation
    • Craig Hospital
    • Trial recruitment status
    • Recruiting
    • Trial start date
    • 1 Sep 2024
    • Organisation
    • Craig Hospital

    Wings for Life supports SCITrialsFinder

    Wings for Life has proudly initiated, led and funded the new version of the SCI Trials Finder website. Wings for Life aims to find a cure for spinal cord injuries. The not-for-profit foundation funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials around the globe.

    Learn more