Using pig organs to study liver disease and infections
Tissue Models for Liver Disease
This study is testing how pig organs can help us understand liver disease and infections better, so we can find new ways to treat these serious health issues.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Leicester Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leicester) |
| Trial ID | NCT05255042 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to enhance our understanding of the human immune response to bacterial and viral infections by utilizing a novel spleen and liver perfusion model developed from pig organs. The research will analyze anonymized human liver tissue samples collected from patients undergoing elective surgery for liver lesions. By performing experiments on these samples, the study seeks to identify effective therapies targeting the initial phases of invasive infections. The findings could lead to improved prevention and treatment strategies for severe bacterial and viral diseases.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients aged 18-80 undergoing elective hepatopancreato-biliary surgery who have liver segment tissue available for research.
Not a fit: Patients with acute invasive infections will not benefit from this study as they are excluded from major surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve the treatment and prevention of severe liver-related infections.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies using organ perfusion models have shown promise in understanding immune responses, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The samples included in this project will be from patients undergoing elective surgery in the HPB Unit of the Leicester General Hospital. * Liver segment samples from radical surgery are adult age (18-80 years) * Presence of liver segment tissue in the discarded material after hepatopancreato-biliary surgery. Exclusion Criteria: * The main exclusion criterion is acute invasive l infection, but these patients are automatically excluded from major surgery. * Samples from patients treated with antibiotics prior to explant or surgery will not be excluded, but samples will have to be tested for residual antibiotic activity.
Where this trial is running
Leicester
- UHL NHS Trust - Leicester General Hospital — Leicester, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marco R Oggioni, MD — University of Leicester
- Study coordinator: Marco R Oggioni, MD
- Email: mro5@leicester.ac.uk
- Phone: 07447018973
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.