Investigating Monocytes in Heart Attack and Stroke Patients
Official title: Study of Circulating Monocytes in Patients With Ischemic Vascular Disease
Run by UConn Health · NCT04321512 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to see how certain immune cells in the blood behave in heart attack and stroke patients to understand their role in healing and find possible signs of tissue damage.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | UConn Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Farmington, Connecticut) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 1, 2013 |
| Main results expected | December 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 17, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04321512 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and over who have experienced a STEMI, NSTEMI, or ischemic stroke, as well as those with stable coronary artery disease and healthy controls.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are unable to provide informed consent or those with chronic diseases such as heart failure, hypertension, or diabetes may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the role of circulating monocytes, specifically those with the P2X4 surface marker, in patients who have experienced myocardial infarction or ischemic stroke. Researchers will collect blood samples from these patients at various time points after their acute event to analyze the levels of specific monocyte types and their potential role in healing heart and brain tissue. Control groups will include healthy individuals and patients with stable coronary artery disease to compare monocyte levels. The findings may provide insights into the immune response following ischemic events and identify potential biomarkers for tissue damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding of the healing processes after heart attacks and strokes, potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies.
How similar studies have gone: While this study explores a specific aspect of monocyte function, similar studies have shown promise in understanding immune responses in ischemic conditions, suggesting potential for meaningful insights.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * STEMI Patients: Men and women aged 18 years and over, with symptoms, physical signs and ECG changes characteristic of STEMI. * NSTEMI Patients: Men and women aged 18 years and over, with symptoms, physical signs and ECG changes characteristic of NSTEMI. * Stable CAD Patients: men and women aged 18 years and older with coronary artery disease proven by prior MI history, angiography or stress test but without any unstable angina or acute coronary syndrome. * Ischemic Stroke Patients: Men and women aged 18 years and over, with symptoms, physical signs and CT/MRI changes characteristic of ischemic stroke. * Healthy Controls: Men and women aged 18 years and over, without heart failure, coronary disease, hypertension, diabetes or other chronic diseases. Control subjects will be recruited from within the community of UConn Health via advertisement. Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects who are unable to give informed consent (with the exception of the ischemic stroke arm patients, see Protocol Design below) and pregnant subjects. * Subjects who had any history of embolic, ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke within the last 12 months.
Where it's running
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University of Connecticut Health Center
Farmington, Connecticut, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Bruce Liang, MD — UConn Health
- Study coordinator: Kristen Siedlarz, MA
- Email: siedlarz@uchc.edu
- Phone: 860-679-7549
Similar studies
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Paired VNS: How the Brain and Pupils Respond in Stroke Patients
This study tests real-time physiologic responses to paired VNS in adults with chronic motor impairment after ischemic stroke to help tailor dosing.
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This trial tests whether hospital-level care at home can safely and effectively treat adults with acute heart conditions who would normally be in the hospital.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.