RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Roles of Hepatic Insufficiency, Hepatic Fibrosis, and Inorganic Pyrophosphate in the Progression of Arterial Calcifications

This study is exploring the connection between liver health, particularly liver scarring (cirrhosis), and the hardening of arteries. People with certain health issues like diabetes or fatty liver disease often have a higher risk of heart problems. Researchers have noticed that people with liver cirrhosis tend to have lower levels of a natural body chemical called PPi. They believe that if someone has a liver transplant, it might help restore PPi to normal levels, which could then slow down or stop arteries from hardening. To understand this better, the study involves blood and urine tests. They are looking for participants aged 18 and over who are awaiting a liver transplant for a long-term liver condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Enrolment target

Start

24 Nov 2025

Estimated completion

24 Nov 2029

Liver Cirrhosis

What is this study about?

This study is looking into an important connection between liver health and the health of your arteries. Your arteries are like pipes that carry blood around your body, and sometimes they can harden over time. This hardening is called arterial calcification, and it can increase your risk of heart problems. Researchers have noticed that people with liver cirrhosis, which is severe scarring of the liver, often have lower levels of a natural substance in their blood called PPi.

Now, PPi is thought to play a role in keeping your arteries flexible and preventing them from hardening too much. The researchers in this study believe that if someone with liver cirrhosis receives a liver transplant, it might help bring their PPi levels back up to normal. If this happens, it could potentially help slow down or even stop the hardening of their arteries.

The main goal of this research is to understand this process better. By collecting blood and urine samples, the scientists hope to see if there's a clear link between improved liver health after a transplant, changes in PPi levels, and the health of the arteries. This could eventually lead to better ways to protect people with liver conditions from heart problems.

Key takeaways

The study explores the link between liver health and artery hardening.
It could help understand how liver transplants might protect heart health.
Participation involves only blood and urine samples.
No new medications are involved.
It's for adults needing a liver transplant.
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and over who need a liver transplant because of a long-term liver disease. This means if your liver isn't working properly due to an ongoing condition and you are on the list for a new liver, you might be able to take part.

However, there are a few reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your liver disease is extremely severe, measured by something called a MELD score above 25, or if you have an active viral infection in your body, you wouldn't be able to participate. The study aims to include a wide range of people who are having a liver transplant, so both men and women are welcome.

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 waiting for a liver transplant for a long-term liver condition?
Is your liver disease not extremely severe (your doctor can tell you if your MELD score is above 25)?
Do you not have an active viral infection?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it would involve providing a simple blood test and a urine sample. These tests would likely be done around the time of your liver transplant, as part of your regular medical checks. There's no special medication involved in this study, and it won't require extra visits beyond what you would already be doing for your transplant care. The researchers will simply collect these samples to help them understand the connection between your liver health, a natural body chemical, and your arteries before and potentially after your transplant. The total duration of your participation would be linked to the time around your transplant procedure.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study involves very low risk, as it uses routine blood and urine samples that are usually taken anyway for your medical care. The potential benefit is that the information gathered could help scientists better understand how to protect people with liver disease from heart problems in the future. It's important to remember that you are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time, even if you have already agreed to participate. Your decision will not affect the medical care you receive.

Locations (1)

CHU de Nice
Verified postcode
Nice, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is liver cirrhosis?

Liver cirrhosis is severe scarring of the liver, which can make it hard for your liver to work properly.

What are 'arterial calcifications'?

This is when your arteries, which carry blood, become harder due to a build-up of calcium. It's sometimes called 'hardening of the arteries'.

What is PPi?

PPi is a natural chemical in your body that researchers think helps keep your arteries flexible and prevents them from hardening.

Do I have to take new medicine for this study?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. You'll continue with your usual medical care.

Will taking part affect my liver transplant?

No, participating in this study will not affect your liver transplant or the care you receive.

How to find out more

Guillaume FAVRE, PhD

favre.g@chu-nice.fr +33492039220 Official trial record

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