" Development of Primary Cultures of Diaphragmatic Myoblasts for Basic Research Purposes "
This study focuses on growing and studying muscle cells from the diaphragm (your main breathing muscle) in a lab. Researchers will collect a small piece of diaphragm tissue from women who are already having surgery for endometriosis. The goal is to create new laboratory models of these breathing muscle cells. Currently, scientists mostly study muscle cells from arms or legs, which may not be the same as diaphragm cells. By studying these specific diaphragm cells, researchers hope to better understand serious conditions that affect breathing muscles, such as Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Charcot's disease. This work is foundational research that could lead to developing new treatments to help prevent breathing muscles from weakening in people with these diseases.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research project is looking into how we can grow and study breathing muscle cells from the diaphragm – the main muscle that helps you breathe. When people have certain serious conditions that affect their muscles and nerves, like Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, also known as Charcot's disease), their breathing muscles can become weak and stop working properly. This is very serious and can be life-threatening.
Currently, it’s hard for scientists to study these breathing muscle problems because they don't have good ways to grow human diaphragm muscle cells in the lab. Most of the time, they study muscle cells from other parts of the body, like arms or legs, but diaphragm cells might be different. This study aims to create these specific diaphragm muscle cells in the lab for the first time.
Researchers will get a small sample of diaphragm tissue from women who are already having surgery for a condition called diaphragmatic endometriosis. This tissue, which would usually be removed as part of the routine surgery, will then be used to grow the muscle cells. They will then carefully examine these cells in many ways — looking at their structure, how they work, and what genes are active in them. By doing this, they hope to learn more about the unique properties of diaphragm muscle cells compared to other muscle cells. This knowledge could be a crucial first step in finding new ways to help patients with severe muscle-wasting diseases that affect their breathing.
Key takeaways
- This study uses tissue from routine surgery to research breathing muscles.
- It aims to create new tools for understanding serious muscle diseases like ALS.
- Participation involves no extra procedures, only a tissue sample from existing surgery.
- The research helps future patients by increasing scientific knowledge.
- Only women having surgery for diaphragmatic endometriosis can participate.
- You must be able to speak and read French to join.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for women who are 18 years or older and are already scheduled to have surgery to remove tissue related to diaphragmatic endometriosis. This means your endometriosis affects your diaphragm, and you are having an operation to treat it.
To join, you must be able to understand and read French. You also cannot be under legal guardianship or a similar protective arrangement. The researchers need your agreement to use a small piece of tissue from your surgery for their study.
Essentially, if you are an adult woman undergoing specific surgery for endometriosis in your diaphragm, and you can communicate in French, you might be able to take part.
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 18 years old or older?
- Are you a woman having surgery for endometriosis that affects your diaphragm?
- Can you speak and read French?
- Are you making your own medical decisions (not under guardianship)?
- Have you been asked by a doctor or researcher about this specific study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this research, there will be no extra procedures, visits, or medicines for you. Your involvement only means that a small piece of tissue that is already being removed during your planned surgery for diaphragmatic endometriosis will be saved for research purposes instead of being discarded. This tissue sample will then be used by the researchers in the lab to grow and study muscle cells. Your recovery and care related to your surgery will be exactly the same as if you were not taking part in the study. There is no follow-up related specifically to this research study, as it only involves using a tissue sample.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Department of Thoracic Surgery - Cochin HospitalVerified postcodeParis, France
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to grow and understand diaphragm muscle cells from humans to help research into serious breathing muscle diseases.
Will I have any extra medical procedures if I join?
No, you will not have any extra procedures. The study only uses a small tissue sample from an operation you are already having.
What is diaphragmatic endometriosis?
It's when tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows on your diaphragm, which is your main breathing muscle.
Who can take part in this study?
Adult women who are having surgery for diaphragmatic endometriosis and can read/speak French are eligible.
Will I get results from the study?
No, this is basic laboratory research and individual results won't be given. The findings will help advance medical knowledge generally.
How to find out more
Christelle NGUYEN, MD, PHD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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