Exploring Liver X Receptor as a new target for treating Diabetic Retinopathy
LXR as a Novel Therapeutic Target in DR
This study is testing whether a new treatment that targets Liver X Receptors can help prevent diabetic retinopathy in people with diabetes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 104 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years to 98 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Birmingham, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT03403686 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the role of Liver X Receptors (LXR) in preventing diabetic retinopathy (DR), a common complication of diabetes. It aims to understand how LXR activation can restore cholesterol balance in the retina and improve the function of reparative cells in the bone marrow. By analyzing blood samples from participants, the study seeks to uncover the mechanisms behind the beneficial effects of LXR agonists observed in rodent models. The ultimate goal is to identify novel therapeutic strategies for managing DR in diabetic patients.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 21-98 with a diagnosis of diabetes or healthy aged controls.
Not a fit: Patients with ongoing infections, malignancies, or severe renal impairment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively prevent or reverse diabetic retinopathy in patients with diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is based on promising results from rodent models, it is still novel and untested in human subjects.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Any man or woman between the ages of 21- 98 years of age will be eligible to participate. To participate in the study as a study subject we will require: a) the subject must either carry the diagnosis of diabetes or be a healthy aged control and b) the patient be willing and have the ability to cooperate with the protocol. Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion criteria: We will apply the following exclusion criteria: a) evidence of ongoing acute or chronic infection (HIV, Hepatitis B or C, tuberculosis); b) ongoing malignancy; c) cerebral vascular accident or cerebral vascular procedure; d) current pregnancy; e) history of organ transplantation; f) presence of a graft (to avoid any effect of the graft on inflammatory parameters; g) uremic symptoms, an estimated glomerular filtration rate of less than 20 cc/min (by Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation), or an albumin of less than 3.6 (to avoid malnutrition as a confounding variable); h) be unwilling to abstain from drinking alcohol and i) patients with anemia. Subjects with AMD, glaucoma, uveitis, known hereditary degenerations or other significant ocular complications other than diabetic retinopathy will be excluded.
Where this trial is running
Birmingham, Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Maria B Grant, MD — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Jennifer Moorer
- Email: jmoorer@uabmc.edu
- Phone: 205 325 8674
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.