Study of Molecular and Metabolic Changes in Blood Cells and Aortic Tissue in Adults with Ascending Aortic Aneurysm and Bicuspid or Tricuspid Aortic Valves

What this Trial Is About

Ascending aortic aneurysms AAAs are serious conditions that can cause life-threatening aortic dissections or ruptures. The progression and severity of these aneurysms are influenced by the type of aortic valve a patient hasbicuspid or tricuspid. This study aims to compare inflammatory, metabolic, and gene expression patterns in myeloid cells and aortic tissue between patients with bicuspid and tricuspid aortic valves to better understand underlying molecular mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers or treatment targets. Patients with aneurysms caused by genetic syndromes are not included to keep the study group uniform. Participants with ascending aortic aneurysms undergoing scheduled surgical replacement will be grouped based on whether they have a bicuspid or tricuspid aortic valve. During surgery, samples of the aneurysmal aortic tissue, which would otherwise be discarded, are collected for research. Additionally, extra blood samples are taken during routine clinical blood draws for further analysis. The surgical procedure is not altered by the study. Throughout the study, participants undergo preoperative ultrasound imaging to confirm valve type. Researchers analyze inflammatory, metabolic, and transcriptomic markers in both the collected myeloid cells and aortic tissue at the time of surgery. Consent is required before participation. The study is observational and will continue until August 2029, focusing on understanding disease mechanisms rather than testing treatments.

A Study of Lipid Metabolism and Mitochondrial Function in Myeloid Cells and Total Aortic Tissue in Patients With Ascending Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (ATA) and Bicuspid (BA) or Tricuspid (TA) Aortic Valves.