Investigating how macrophages respond to lung inflammation after endotoxin exposure

Alveolar Macrophage Programming Following Endotoxin Exposure

Not applicable Interventional National Jewish Health · NCT03859050

This study is testing how certain immune cells in the lungs react to inflammation caused by endotoxins to help improve our understanding of lung repair in conditions like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment25 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Jewish Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (Denver, Colorado)
Trial IDNCT03859050 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study examines the role of alveolar macrophages in lung inflammation and repair following exposure to endotoxins. The researchers hypothesize that resident and recruited macrophages have distinct yet complementary functions in managing inflammation and facilitating tissue repair. Participants will undergo bronchoscopy with the administration of lipopolysaccharide to assess macrophage behavior and response. The goal is to better understand the mechanisms of alveolar repair in conditions like Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults aged 18-50 who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with current or recent illnesses, significant medical history, or substance use issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from ARDS by enhancing our understanding of lung inflammation and repair mechanisms.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this study may be novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding macrophage roles in lung inflammation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Written, informed consent
2. Age 18-50

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Current or recent illness (past 2 weeks)
2. Presence or prior history of cardiac, pulmonary or systemic disease
3. Bleeding disorder, use of systemic anticoagulants or antiplatelet therapy
4. American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) class 2 or greater
5. Immunocompromised state (HIV, immunoglobulin deficiency, systemic immunosuppressants)
6. Use of any inhaled substance, including tobacco, marijuana, e-cigarrettes, cocaine, methamphetamines, or toxic vapors in the past 3 months or greater than 10 pack-year smoking history
7. Alcohol use disorder or greater than 7 drinks/week for women or greater than 14 drinks/week for men in the past 3 months
8. Allergy or prior adverse reaction to lidocaine, midazolam or fentanyl
9. Abnormal spirometry or electrocardiogram at time of screening
10. Pregnant (based on urine pregnancy test) or breast feeding

Where this trial is running

Denver, Colorado

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 ARDS, Human
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.