Fibroblasts and Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms: in Vitro Characterization in With Marfan Syndrome and Genetic Aortic Diseases

Launched by IRCCS POLICLINICO S. DONATO · Jan 15, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is focused on understanding the role of fibroblasts, which are cells that help repair tissue, in the development of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAAs) in people with Marfan syndrome and other genetic conditions. The researchers want to learn more about how these conditions affect the heart and blood vessels, and to identify potential markers that could help in diagnosing or predicting the progression of TAAs.

To participate in this study, individuals must be 18 years or older and provide signed consent. The trial is looking for participants with Marfan syndrome who have TAAs, as well as those with non-syndromic TAAs (meaning they don’t have a recognized genetic syndrome). Healthy individuals without any heart or blood vessel issues can also join as controls. It’s important to note that participants should not have other health issues like high blood pressure or diabetes, and certain medications may exclude someone from joining. This study is currently not recruiting participants, so it’s a great opportunity to learn more about a rare condition and potentially contribute to future treatments.

Gender

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria (general for the study):
• • signed informed consent; subjects aged 18 years and above.
• Inclusion Criteria (Case):
• • subjects with Marfan syndrome and thoracic aortic aneurysms (in clinical follow-up or with cardiac surgery program); subjects with non-syndromic thoracic aortic aneurysms (in clinical follow-up or with cardiac surgery program);
• Inclusion Criteria (healthy controls):
• • absence of any aortic/thoracic disease;
• Exclusion Criteria (all groups):
• • Presence of any confounding cardiovascular risk factor (hypertension, dyslipidaemia, diabetes, smoking habits) or previous cardiovascular disease
• • Corticosteroid or Steroids or Fluorochinolones treatment within six months before enrollment Subjects on chronic immunosuppressive therapies such as oral steroids, but also on chronic topical steroids in the area of investigation;
• • A history of keloid formation (data found in anamnesis and medical records);
• • Anaesthetic drug allergy (data found in anamnesis and medical records).