Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Age Related Chromatin Remodelling as a Therapeutic Target for Organ Protection in Cardiac Surgery

This study aims to understand why people with several long-term health conditions, like kidney or lung disease, often face complications and slower recovery after heart surgery. Our earlier research showed that these patients have changes in their heart cells before surgery, similar to "biological ageing." These changes make their hearts more vulnerable to damage during an operation. Traditional treatments haven't solved this problem. We're now investigating the links between long-term conditions, these cell changes, and organ damage. By using existing patient data and tissue samples, we hope to identify what's happening at a tiny level inside heart cells. Ultimately, this research could lead to new treatments that protect organs and improve recovery for people undergoing heart surgery.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

University of Leicester

Enrolment target

3,055

Start

29 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2030

Cardiac Surgery Organ Protection Ageing

What is this study about?

Heart surgery is a major operation, and for some people, especially those who already have several long-term health conditions like kidney disease or diabetes, it can lead to additional problems like organ damage or a difficult recovery. Despite many years of research, doctors haven't yet found effective medicines or treatments to prevent these issues, which can significantly affect a person's quality of life after surgery.

Our previous research has given us some clues. We've found that people with long-term health conditions often show changes in their heart cells even before surgery. These changes are like an accelerated form of 'biological ageing' within the cells. This makes their hearts more sensitive to stress and damage during surgery, leading to slower healing and a poorer overall recovery. We've also learned that these changes might involve tiny immune cells entering the heart, causing inflammation and altering the heart's DNA, making it less able to pump effectively.

This new research project aims to dig deeper into these discoveries. We will be carefully examining information from past studies, including detailed data from heart cells collected during surgery. We want to understand exactly how these long-term conditions lead to these specific changes in heart cells and how these changes contribute to organ damage. By looking at how DNA is organised within the cells, and how genes are switched on or off, we hope to find the root causes. Our goal is to identify potential new ways, perhaps even new medicines, that could protect the heart and other organs, leading to better outcomes for patients undergoing heart surgery.

Key takeaways

Aims to understand why people with long-term conditions struggle after heart surgery.
Investigates 'biological ageing' changes in heart cells that make them vulnerable.
Uses existing patient data and stored heart tissue samples, no new procedures.
Focuses on identifying underlying processes, not testing new drugs yet.
Could lead to future treatments that protect organs and improve patient recovery.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking at information and samples from adults aged 18 and over who have already had heart surgery. To be considered, they must have been part of one of seven specific clinical studies at five different hospitals in the UK.

All patients included in this research would have given their consent (permission) to take part in those original studies and also agreed that their data and samples could be used for further research like this one.

If someone participated in one of the original studies but did not agree to their information and samples being used for additional research, then their data and samples will not be included in this current study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult aged 18 or over?
Did you undergo heart surgery at one of five UK centres?
Were you part of one of seven specific clinical studies related to heart surgery?
Did you give your permission (consent) for your data and samples to be used for future research at that time?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve new patient participation. We are not asking anyone to receive new treatments, take medication, or attend extra appointments. Instead, we are looking back at information and samples that were collected from patients who participated in previous heart surgery studies. This means if you were in one of those studies and gave permission for your data to be used for future research, your information might be part of this project. You won't need to do anything further yourself.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study is looking at existing data and samples from past research, there are no direct physical risks to patients. The main benefit is that your valuable past contribution to research could help us find new ways to protect organs during heart surgery, leading to better care for future patients. All personal information will be kept confidential and handled securely. You also have the right to withdraw your consent for your data or samples to be used, if you previously agreed, by contacting the researchers of the original study.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

University of Leicester
Verified postcode
Leicester, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'biological ageing' in heart cells?

It means changes in heart cells that make them behave like older cells, even if the person isn't elderly, making them more vulnerable.

Why are people with other health conditions more at risk?

Their existing conditions can cause changes in heart cells, making them less able to cope with the stress of surgery and more prone to damage.

Will this study involve new medicines?

No, this study is about understanding the problems. If successful, it might help identify potential new medicines for future research, but doesn't test them now.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, all data from previous studies will be kept confidential and handled securely, with your privacy protected.

How can this research help me or my family?

By understanding why organ damage happens, this research aims to lead to better treatments and improved recovery for people undergoing heart surgery in the future.