Advanced MRI to detect immune-cell activity in the heart after a heart attack
Assessment of Mast Cell Degranulation in Infarcted Myocardium Using Quantitative Multiparametric MRI
['FUNDING_R01'] · CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11158736
This project uses advanced MRI plus a new medicine to calm mast cells after a heart attack to help limit bleeding, swelling, and long-term heart damage.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11158736 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will test a drug that blocks mast cell degranulation and use quantitative multiparametric MRI to track markers like microvascular obstruction, intramyocardial hemorrhage, edema, and chronic iron or fat deposits in infarcted heart tissue. Much of the work will use experimental models of acute myocardial infarction and high-resolution qMRI to measure short-term and long-term tissue changes. By linking the drug’s effects to specific MRI biomarkers, the team aims to identify whether reducing mast cell activity lessens acute injury and chronic remodeling that predict heart failure. Successful imaging markers and results would support moving this approach into human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who recently had an acute myocardial infarction and underwent reperfusion therapy would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients without a recent heart attack, or those with conditions that make the drug unsafe (for example severe allergic reactions or incompatible comorbidities), would be unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce immediate damage after reperfusion and decrease long-term scar and heart failure risk following a heart attack.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies suggest blocking mast cell activity can limit bleeding and edema, but clinical evidence in heart attack patients is currently limited.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, DEBIAO — CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: LI, DEBIAO
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.