Cutaneous wound healing.
A J Singer, R A Clark
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10471461Actively Recruiting
Age: 18Years - 100Years
All Genders
ID03793062
Genetic and Epigenetic Basis of Chronic Wounds
Led by University of Pittsburgh · Updated on 2026-04-14
256
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Pittsburgh
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Chronic wounds that do not heal quickly often have unique genetic signatures. This research aims to study these genetic patterns by analyzing tissue removed from wounds as part of routine care and comparing it with genetic information from blood samples. The goal is to better understand how wound-specific genetic changes affect healing and to explore the role of genetic and epigenetic factors in wound repair. Participants in this observational study will be followed for about 16 weeks. Tissue samples from wound debridement will be collected when possible during standard wound care visits. The study includes four visits at weeks 0, 4, 8, and 16 or earlier if the wound heals sooner. At the first visit, information such as medical history, demographics, and samples of saliva and blood will be collected, along with digital images of the wound. Subsequent visits involve additional imaging, medication reviews, adverse event monitoring, and transepidermal water loss measurements at the final visit. Throughout the study, participants will complete health questionnaires and undergo regular assessments to monitor wound healing progress. Researchers will measure genetic and epigenetic changes in the wound tissue, comparing healing and non-healing phases. The study focuses on identifying key genetic factors that influence healing outcomes. Participation involves multiple visits over several weeks, with ongoing evaluation of tissue samples, imaging, and health status to better understand chronic wound healing.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Genetic and Epigenetic Basis of Chronic Wounds
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years - 100Years
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Willing to follow all study instructions, including attending all visits and completing study activities
- Have a chronic wound lasting longer than four weeks
- Clinically diagnosed with diabetic or non-diabetic ulcer
- If you have multiple wounds, the largest wound will be used for the study
You will not qualify if you...
- Unable to understand the study procedures, risks, and benefits or provide informed consent
- Pregnant or breastfeeding females
- People with significant immune system problems such as HIV/AIDS or those taking immune-suppressing medications
- Prisoners
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Monitoring
Duration - 16 weeks (+ or - 2 weeks)
Participants with chronic wounds visiting UPMC hospitals are followed to collect genetic and epigenetic data. Digital imaging, saliva and blood samples, and health questionnaires are collected at scheduled visits.
4 visits at Week 0, Week 4, Week 8, and Week 16 (or earlier if wound heals)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
UPMC Wound Care Centers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 15213
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
P
Piya Das Ghatak, PhD, MS
S
Sashwati Roy, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
0
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