Healthy female participants needed for a study of bioactive lipids in lupus
Description
NHS ref: 20/NW/0429
Systemic lupus erythematosus – lupus – is a long term illness that mainly affects younger women. Women with lupus have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which can cause complications such as increased blood pressure, kidney disease, and early dementia, leading to premature death. Our previous research indicates that specialist molecules (bioactive lipids) present in the blood are altered in individuals with lupus, and that these are able to damage blood vessels.
In this study will investigate the association between blood vessel function and levels of bioactive lipids. To accomplish this, we will recruit women diagnosed with lupus, and healthy volunteers. We will measure clinical markers of blood vessel function, and levels of bioactive lipids in the blood and adipose tissue. The results of this study will help us get a detailed understanding of the pathways and bioactive lipids that are involved in blood vessel damage in lupus, and help us to plan and design new treatments.
Who can take part?
Healthy women aged between the ages of 18 and 70
What will the research involve?
You will be required have several markers of vascular function measured using non-invasive procedures, including blood pressure, aortic elasticity, and blood vessel dilation. Blood and urine samples will be collected, as well a biopsy of subcutaneous fat from the upper buttock. Some volunteers will also have cardiac perfusion measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance perfusion (pCMR) imaging during a second clinic visit.
Where will the research take place?
NIHR Manchester/Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Facility (MCRF) at Manchester Royal Infirmary, Grafton St Manchester M13 9WL (Visit 1) & Wythenshawe Hospital Cardiac MRI and CT Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Southmoor Road, Manchester, M23 9LT (Visit 2)
Reimbursement
You will be reimbursed for your time and inconvenience.
Contact details
Sheilla Achieng (The Kellgren Centre of Rheumatology, Manchester Royal Infirmary); Email: Rheumatology.Research@mft.nhs.uk ; Tel: 0161 701 8538