RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Genetic Variants and Regulation of Specialized Pro-resolving Mediator

Our bodies normally use a special system to control inflammation, which is how we heal from injuries or fight off germs. But sometimes, this system doesn't work properly, leading to ongoing health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or heart disease. This study is investigating whether small, natural differences in our genes (like tiny spelling changes in our DNA) can affect how this inflammation-controlling system works. We are particularly interested in genes that make important proteins involved in this process. By understanding these genetic differences, we hope to learn more about why some people develop these long-term conditions and potentially discover new ways to develop more effective treatments in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Queen Mary University of London

Enrolment target

200

Start

06 May 2021

Estimated completion

08 Dec 2027

Healthy Inflammatory Disease Cardiovascular Diseases

What is this study about?

When you cut yourself or get an infection, your body quickly sends help to that area – this is called inflammation. It's a natural and important process for healing and fighting off illness. However, sometimes this inflammation doesn't switch off properly, which can lead to ongoing health problems. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (which affects joints) and heart disease are examples where inflammation plays a big role.

Your body has a special way of turning inflammation down once its job is done. This controlled 'switch-off' is managed by specific molecules (small particles) and proteins in your cells. This study wants to find out if small, natural differences in our genes, which are like our body's instruction manual, affect how these molecules and proteins work. We are looking at people's genes to see if these differences might make it harder for their bodies to control inflammation, potentially explaining why some people get long-term inflammatory conditions.

The main goal is to understand how these genetic differences influence the body's ability to manage inflammation. By learning this, researchers hope to uncover new insights into how these diseases start and progress. This knowledge is really important because it could help scientists find new and better ways to treat inflammatory diseases in the future, making a real difference to people's health.

Key takeaways

A study looking at how genes affect inflammation.
Aims to understand why some people get long-term inflammatory diseases.
May help develop new treatments in the future.
Primarily involves giving a blood sample and allowing access to health records.
Recruiting adults already in the 'Genes & Health program'.
Participation will not directly diagnose or treat your personal health conditions.

Who may be eligible?

This study is particularly looking for people who are already taking part in a large health study called the 'Genes & Health program'. This program mainly involves people of Bangladeshi and Pakistani origin. If you're part of this program, you might be asked to join this specific study.

You would be eligible to take part if you are an adult, aged 18 or over, and are currently a volunteer in the 'Genes & Health program'. This includes people who have specific genetic changes that the researchers are interested in studying, and also people who don't have those changes (to act as a comparison group).

However, you wouldn't be able to join if you haven't had your genetic information sequenced as part of the 'Genes & Health program'. Also, if you have a significant inherited health condition, or any serious existing illness that might put you at risk or affect the study results, you wouldn't be suitable. If you've recently had surgery, lost a lot of blood in the last three months, taken part in another clinical study involving new medicines recently, or have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, you would also not be able to participate.

Quick self-check

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you currently a volunteer in the 'Genes & Health program'?
Have you had your genetic information sequenced as part of 'Genes & Health'?
Do you feel well and haven't had recent major surgery or significant blood loss?
Do you have no significant inherited conditions or other serious health issues that might affect the study?
Have you not recently taken part in another clinical study involving new medicines?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you would need to do is provide a blood sample. This blood sample will be used to look at the molecules and cells that are involved in controlling inflammation in your body. The researchers will be particularly interested in comparing your blood with others, depending on whether you have certain genetic differences.

Along with providing a blood sample, the study will also ask for your permission to look at your existing health records. This information is already collected in central health systems, and allowing access would help the researchers understand if there's a link between your genetic makeup and your health conditions. There are no study visits, new medicines to take, or specific follow-up appointments directly related to this particular study beyond providing the blood sample and consenting to record access. The total duration of your direct involvement would be very short – essentially the time it takes to give a blood sample.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, as it's focused on understanding diseases rather than treating them. However, the information gathered could be very important for future research, potentially leading to new treatments for inflammatory conditions for others. The main risk involved is having a blood test, which usually causes only minor discomfort or bruising. You are free to stop taking part in the study at any time, without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Queen Mary University of London
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is your body's natural way of healing injuries or fighting off infections. It's a vital part of your immune system.

What are 'genetic variants'?

These are small, natural differences in your genes, like tiny spelling changes in your body's instruction book. Everyone has them.

Will this study give me any medical results?

No, this is a research study to learn about diseases in general. You won't receive individual medical results or diagnoses from participating.

Why is the Genes & Health program mentioned?

This study is specifically recruiting people who are already volunteers in the 'Genes & Health program' because their genetic information is already available.

Do I have to do anything else after giving blood?

No, beyond giving a blood sample and agreeing to record access, there are no other direct actions required from you for this study.

How to find out more

Esteban A Gomez Cifuentes, PhD student

e.a.g.c.cifuentes@qmul.ac.uk +447741093970 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.