Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

tRF-31 and HIPK2 in age-related cataract: a look at eye tissue and surgery outcomes

Official title: Biphasic Dynamics of the tRNA-derived Small RNA tRF-31 Set the Lens Oxidative Survival Threshold by Restraining HIPK2-mediated Dual-track Lethality in Age-related Cataract

Run by Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine · NCT07672899 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This observational study tests whether the tRF-31/HIPK2 signaling axis in the eye relates to cataract severity in adults with age-related cataract.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment200 (estimated)
SponsorSecond Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, School of Medicine
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hangzhou, Zhejiang)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJune 17, 2026
Main results expectedAugust 16, 2026
Study endsSeptember 16, 2026
Registry record updatedJune 29, 2026
Trial IDNCT07672899 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults over 18 with clinically diagnosed age-related cataract who are scheduled for routine cataract extraction with IOL and have completed preoperative corneal endothelial assessments.

Probably not a fit

Patients whose cataract severity does not correlate with the tRF-31/HIPK2 axis or whose tissue sampling shows no meaningful data 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

The study will collect anterior lens capsule tissue from adults with age-related cataract undergoing standard phacoemulsification with IOL. Researchers will measure tRF-31 expression and HIPK2 levels and examine their relationship to Emery-Little cataract grade. Preoperative eye tests, including corneal endothelial cell counts, will be performed, and oxidative stress in the anterior segment will be considered for potential effects on the corneal endothelium. The work is purely observational and uses tissue already removed during routine surgery. No experimental interventions beyond standard care are involved.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If a link between tRF-31/HIPK2 and cataract severity is found, it could guide future biomarker development and personalized management of ARC.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has explored noncoding RNA and signaling pathways in ocular diseases, with some success; this work extends those concepts to ARC in an observational framework.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients older than 18 years. Clinically diagnosed with age-related cataract (ARC) and have clear surgical indications for routine phacoemulsification combined with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. Scheduled to undergo cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation. Completed routine preoperative corneal endothelial specular microscopy, providing objective data including cell density, coefficient of variation of cell area, and the proportion of hexagonal cells. Provided signed written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

History of ocular trauma, glaucoma, episodes of active uveitis, or previous intraocular surgery. Presence of severe systemic diseases rendering the patient unsuitable for surgery. Poor patient compliance or coexisting psychiatric disorders. Severe systemic metabolic syndromes (e.g., diabetes). Diagnosis of high myopia. Current participation in other clinical trials or likelihood of being lost to follow-up.

Where it's running

  • Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine
    Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.