Examining UCHL1 as a marker in acute heart failure

To Explore the Potential of UCH-L1 as a Novel Therapeutic and Diagnostic Target in Heart Failure

Observational VA Office of Research and Development · NCT04999995

This study is trying to see if a protein called UCHL1 can help doctors understand how severe heart failure is in patients who are admitted to the hospital.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVA Office of Research and Development Federal
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Columbia, South Carolina)
Trial IDNCT04999995 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the role of UCHL1, a deubiquitinating enzyme, in the progression of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). It aims to understand how autophagy, a cellular degradation process, is linked to heart failure and whether UCHL1 can serve as a potential biomarker for disease progression. The study will enroll patients admitted for ADHF and assess their clinical data to explore the relationship between UCHL1 levels and heart failure severity. By analyzing these connections, the research seeks to enhance understanding of heart failure mechanisms and improve patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are admitted for acute decompensated heart failure.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as acute stroke or decompensated liver disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic tools for monitoring and managing acute heart failure.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using UCHL1 as a biomarker in heart failure is novel, related studies on autophagy and heart failure have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Admission for decompensated HF (traditional diagnostic criteria will be utilized for diagnosing ADHF - presence of dyspnea as presenting complaint; evidence of volume overload - peripheral or pulmonary edema, elevated jugular venous pressure \> 10 cmH2O, presence of hepatojugular reflux, or ascites; elevated B-type Natriuretic Peptide (\>100ng/ml); evidence of pulmonary vascular congestion on chest x-ray1, or Admission for dyspnea that is NOT related to ADHF (absence of all HF symptoms and signs mentioned in ADHF inclusion criteria- except for dyspnea as presenting complaint)
* Able to give informed consent
* Age \>= 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Mortality during inpatient observation
* Presence of acute stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic)
* Presence of intracranial hemorrhage
* History of acute stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic) or intracranial hemorrhage within the preceding 6 months
* Presence of decompensated liver disease (elevated ALT/AST; ascites; Acute variceal bleeding; or hepatic encephalopathy)
* Presence of sepsis
* Presence of severe hyponatremia (Serum sodium \< 130 meq/L)
* Active malignancy (undergoing chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or planned surgical intervention)
* SARS-CoV-2 positive during the current admission

Where this trial is running

Columbia, South Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Heart FailureDyspneaCardiac
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.