Examining Neuregulin and EGF Signaling in the Human Heart
Isolation and Characterization of ERBB Expressing Human Heart Progenitor Cells
MaineHealth · NCT02820233
This study is trying to see how certain proteins in the heart affect special cells that help keep the heart healthy in people who are having heart surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MaineHealth (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Maine) |
| Trial ID | NCT02820233 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the role of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor family and its ligands, particularly Neuregulin-1β (NRG), in regulating non-myocyte cells isolated from the human heart. It focuses on progenitor cells in the adult heart that respond to EGF and NRG, which are crucial for cardiac development and maintenance. Participants scheduled for heart surgery will provide small biopsies, which will be analyzed in the laboratory using flow cytometry and cell culture techniques to understand the biological regulation by these signaling pathways.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with severe coronary artery disease who are scheduled for coronary artery bypass surgery.
Not a fit: Patients under 18, those with active myocarditis, or significant cardiac or renal conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of heart disease mechanisms and lead to new therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of EGF/NRG/ERBB signaling is an evolving field, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding cardiac biology.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of severe coronary artery disease scheduled to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * less than 18 years of age * unwilling or unable to provide informed consent * known active myocarditis * hypertrophic cardiomyopathy * constrictive pericarditis or other significant pericardial disease * severe pulmonary hypertension * significant renal impairment (Cr \> 2.5 mg/dL) * severe ventricular arrhythmias * pregnancy
Where this trial is running
Portland, Maine
- Maine Medical Center — Portland, Maine, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Joanne Burgess, RN
- Email: burgejs@mmc.org
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Heart Disease, Vascular Disease, Heart Failure