Endothelial Dysfunction

This research aims to explore the relationship between changes in the small blood vessels in the eye and coronary microvascular dysfunction CMD, a condition linked to angina and heart ischemia without blocked large coronary arteries. CMD increases the risk of serious heart problems, but current tests to assess it can be costly, involve radiation, or take a long time. The study will use a new optical imaging technology called optical coherence tomography OCT and optical coherence tomography angiography OCTA to non-invasively examine the eyes microcirculation and compare it with coronary microcirculation measured by a coronary angiography-derived index of microvascular resistance caIMR.

Researchers are conducting a 12-week single-group clinical trial to study the effects of an omega-3-containing supplement called Omega Active on blood levels of DHA and EPA. The study includes adults aged 18 to 65 who are generally healthy and aims to assess how the supplement influences cardiovascular and cognitive health by measuring changes in these important blood fatty acids. Participants will take two capsules of the Omega Active supplement daily for the entire 12-week period. They will complete questionnaires about their cognitive performance, gastrointestinal symptoms, and overall health at the start of the study and at Weeks 4, 8, and 12. Blood samples will be collected at the beginning and end of the trial at local Quest Diagnostics Centers to measure DHA and EPA levels. All participants receive the active supplement with no placebo or randomization involved. During the study, participants will attend scheduled visits for blood testing and complete self-reported questionnaires to track their health changes and experience with the supplement. Researchers will monitor changes in blood DHA and EPA from baseline to Week 12 as the main outcomes. Secondary measures include changes in self-reported cognition, digestive symptoms, and general well-being. The total participation time is 12 weeks, with ongoing monitoring through questionnaires and blood tests.

This research aims to understand how menopause affects the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes in women. It focuses on the time around menopause when estrogen production stops, which is linked to a higher risk of these conditions. The study will follow 200 women from before menopause to at least 10 years after, using advanced methods to observe changes in blood vessels, the heart, and the brain, along with microRNA analysis of blood and tissue samples. Participants will be observed over a long period with repeated assessments before menopause and at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 years after menopause. These assessments include invasive and non-invasive measures of vascular function, as well as monitoring changes in skeletal muscle proteins and RNA expression from muscle and blood samples. Blood pressure will also be tracked regularly during this time. Women involved in the study will undergo detailed cardiovascular and biological evaluations at various time points throughout the study. This includes tests of blood vessel function, muscle tissue analysis, and blood sample collections. The researchers will also monitor blood pressure and other health indicators to understand the long-term impact of menopause on cardiovascular health. The total participation may last over 20 years, providing extensive data on how menopause influences disease risk over time.

Researchers are evaluating the effects of a smartphone-based Healthy Lifestyle HLS intervention on the mental and physical health of firefighters in Tainan, Taiwan. This cluster randomized controlled trial aims to determine if the Traditional Chinese version of the HLS mobile app can improve firefighters health compared to usual care. The study also seeks to find out whether the intervention can promote a healthier lifestyle and reduce the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases among firefighters. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group, which uses the Traditional Chinese HLS mobile app designed specifically for firefighters, or the control group, which receives usual care. The intervention period lasts from 3 to 6 months, during which firefighters in the intervention group will use the app to support healthier behaviors. The control group will continue with their standard practices without the app. Throughout the study, firefighters will undergo health and fitness assessments at the start and again 3 to 6 months after the intervention begins. Measurements include blood pressure, depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms, body mass index, smoking habits, diet patterns, physical activity levels, sitting time, sleep duration and napping frequency, glycated hemoglobin, lipid profiles, C-reactive protein, and physical performance. The study will monitor these outcomes to assess changes in mental and physical health. Safety and progress will be observed through these regular evaluations during the study period.

Researchers are evaluating non-invasive imaging methods to assess skin blood flow dynamics. This study aims to test and validate how well these imaging technologies perform by using a pressure cuff to create changes in blood flow, ranging from low flow ischemic to high flow hyperemic. The focus is on establishing the basic feasibility of these imaging tools in detecting vascular changes. The study uses Multi-Spectral Imaging and Laser Speckle Imaging, both non-contact optical devices. Multi-Spectral Imaging measures concentrations of total, deoxygenated, and oxygenated hemoglobin in tissue, while Laser Speckle Imaging measures relative blood flow at different times. A pressure cuff occlusion is applied to stimulate changes in blood flow for these devices to detect. Participants will be observed using these imaging methods during vascular occlusion procedures. The main outcome measured is skin blood flow over a 4-week period. The study includes healthy volunteers aged 18 and older and involves non-invasive tests without treatment. Researchers will monitor blood flow changes and the performance of the imaging devices during the study period, which began in 2011 and is expected to continue until 2028.

Researchers are evaluating the use of dapagliflozin to reduce cardiovascular risk in women who have experienced hypertensive pregnancies. This randomized, placebo-controlled trial focuses on patients at high risk for adverse cardiovascular outcomes within five years after delivery. The study is a pilot-scale, single institution investigation aiming to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and effects of dapagliflozin during the postpartum period. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will receive dapagliflozin 10 mg daily for six months, while the other group will receive a daily placebo for the same duration. During the study, participants will attend four study visits and complete specific activities including daily blood pressure monitoring, weekly weight measurements, laboratory tests, and echocardiograms. After the six-month treatment period, participants will be followed remotely for one month. Throughout the trial, researchers will measure cardiovascular risk reduction scores at the start and after six months of treatment. Secondary outcomes include tracking patient adherence, barriers to adherence, loss to follow-up rates, and screening statistics over a two-year recruitment period. The total participation includes treatment and follow-up visits, with regular assessments to monitor health and gather data for evaluating the study drugs impact on cardiovascular risk.

Researchers are evaluating an investigational eye drop called CA201A, which contains 5% ascorbic acid, to see if it can protect the cornea and reduce the loss of corneal endothelial cells following cataract surgery. This study involves about 200 adults in Australia who are scheduled for cataract surgery and aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of the eye drops in preserving corneal clarity and eye health. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the CA201A eye drops or a placebo eye drop without the active ingredient. They will apply one drop to the study eye four times daily starting 7 days before surgery, continuing on the day of surgery, and for 4 weeks after surgery. All participants will undergo standard cataract surgery with usual care, and the study eye drops are given in addition to this routine treatment. During the study, participants will have regular eye examinations including measurements of corneal endothelial cell density and other assessments to monitor the treatments effects and safety. Follow-up will continue for up to 12 weeks after surgery, with total participation lasting about 16 weeks including screening. Researchers will evaluate changes in corneal cells and visual acuity, as well as monitor for any side effects throughout the study.

Researchers are evaluating the effect of coronary sinus CS reducer implantation in patients who have heart failure with preserved ejection fraction HFpEF combined with coronary microvascular dysfunction CMD. The study aims to measure myocardial ischemia by using stress myocardial perfusion assessed through cardiovascular magnetic resonance CMR. This observational research is sponsored by the Mayo Clinic and focuses on patients with these specific heart conditions. Participants diagnosed with HFpEF, non-obstructive coronary artery disease, and documented CMD will undergo a 50-minute non-invasive stress perfusion CMR test. The study involves observing changes in heart muscle blood flow by measuring the endocardial to epicardial perfusion ratio at the start and after 6 months. This diagnostic approach helps researchers understand how the CS reducer may influence heart muscle perfusion. Throughout the study, participants will be involved in CMR imaging sessions to assess heart function and blood flow under stress conditions. The primary outcome measured is the change in the endocardial to epicardial perfusion ratio between baseline and 6 months. Patients must consent to participate and be enrolled in the main CS reducer HFpEF study. The total duration includes initial imaging and follow-up after six months to monitor changes.

Researchers are evaluating patients with coronary heart disease who have high-risk plaques identified by computed tomography angiography CTA and are scheduled for percutaneous coronary intervention PCI. The study aims to compare the effects of bivalirudin and standard heparin anticoagulation therapies on coronary microvascular dysfunction CMD following PCI. This research includes measuring post-PCI blood flow and heart muscle damage markers to explore potential improvements in microcirculation and long-term heart outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups during their PCI procedure one group will receive bivalirudin, starting with a single intravenous dose of 0.75 mgkg followed by a continuous infusion of 1.75 mgkg per hour for 4 hours after PCI the other group will receive a single intravenous dose of 50 Ukg of standard heparin. The study includes a follow-up period of 6 months to monitor clinical events and heart function. The research also investigates how bivalirudin might protect the heart by examining related biomarkers. During the study, participants will undergo assessments including coronary angiography-derived index of microcirculatory resistance CaIMR, blood flow grading, frame count corrections, myocardial perfusion grading, and troponin level measurements. Imaging evaluations and biomarkers related to endothelial function and myocardial injury will be collected within 3 days after PCI. Researchers will track major adverse cardiac events over 6 months. The trial is designed to monitor safety and effectiveness of treatments throughout the study period, with participation lasting approximately 6 months post-procedure.

This trial evaluates BX-001N, an investigational drug, to prevent acute kidney injury CSA-AKI and major adverse kidney events MAKE following cardiac surgery. It is a randomized, single-blind, multi-center, placebo-controlled phase 2a study involving approximately 50 adults aged 19 to 90 years with aortic disease scheduled for cardiac surgery using total circulatory arrest. The study aims to assess the drugs effects on kidney function markers and adverse kidney events after surgery. Participants will be assigned to one of four groups two experimental groups receiving either low or high doses of BX-001N intravenously once daily for three days, and two placebo groups receiving matching placebo infusions on the same schedule. Hospitalization for the study lasts from one day before surgery through Day 7, during which the investigational product is administered. Follow-up visits continue up to Day 90 to monitor efficacy and safety. During the study, participants will have regular assessments including measurements of kidney injury biomarkers such as NGAL, serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate eGFR, cystatin C, TIMP-2, IGFBP7, and blood urea nitrogen BUN. Researchers will also track major adverse renal events through Day 90. Safety and adherence will be monitored throughout, with follow-up visits conducted at the study site to evaluate participant health and kidney function after treatment ends.