Not yet recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Epigenetic Susceptibility to Inflammatory Complications After Cardiac Surgery

Many people have heart surgery in the UK each year, and some can face complications afterwards. This study wants to understand why some patients experience more problems than others. Researchers are focusing on something called 'epigenetics' – these are like switches or highlights on our DNA that can change how our bodies react. They believe these epigenetic markers, especially on immune cells, might explain why some people have an overactive inflammatory response after surgery, leading to issues like organ damage. By studying blood samples and patient information before and after heart surgery, they hope to find patterns. This could help predict who is at higher risk and, in the long term, lead to more personalised care to prevent complications.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Sponsor

University of Glasgow

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2029

Organ Dysfunction Inflammation in Cardiac Surgery Epigenetic Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Postoperative Complications Inflammation

What is this study about?

When you have major heart surgery, your body naturally reacts with an inflammatory response, which is part of healing. However, for some people, this response can become too strong or 'overactive', leading to complications like organ problems. We want to understand why this happens to some patients and not others.

Our bodies have an instruction manual called DNA, which makes us who we are. But there's another layer on top of this DNA called 'epigenetics'. Think of epigenetics as highlights or sticky notes on the DNA manual that tell our cells which instructions to read and when. These epigenetic markers can actually change over time, influenced by things like our diet and exercise. We believe these markers, particularly on our immune system cells, play a big role in how intensely your body reacts to the stress of surgery and if that reaction becomes harmful.

This study will carefully look at these epigenetic markers in blood samples taken from patients having heart surgery, both before and after their operation. We'll also collect information about their recovery and health. By comparing people who have complications with those who recover smoothly, we hope to discover if specific epigenetic patterns can tell us who is most at risk. The ultimate goal is to one day use this knowledge to help doctors predict potential issues and offer more tailored care to prevent complications, making heart surgery safer for everyone.

Key takeaways

This study aims to understand why some patients have complications after heart surgery.
It focuses on 'epigenetics', which are markers on your DNA, to see if they predict surgical risks.
Participation involves giving blood samples and filling out questionnaires before and after surgery.
This research could lead to more personalised care to prevent complications in the future.
No new treatments are being tested; the study is purely observational.
Your decision to join or leave the study will not affect your medical treatment.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and planning to have a specific type of heart surgery called coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), where your heart is connected to a heart-lung machine. It's important that you fully understand what the study involves and agree to take part.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant, or if you've had major surgery in the last three months, including previous open-heart surgery through your chest. We also can't include you if you're taking strong medicines to suppress your immune system for conditions like a long-term inflammatory illness or cancer, or if you have a blood cancer.

If you're already involved in another research study that might affect the results of this one, or if you find it difficult to understand instructions in English, you wouldn't be eligible. The aim is to make sure the study includes the right people to get clear and accurate results.

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 having planned coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery?
Are you able to understand and agree to take part in the study?
Have you had no major surgery in the last three months (including previous open-heart surgery)?
Are you not pregnant or currently receiving strong immune-suppressing medicines for a long-term condition or cancer?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, we would ask for your permission to do a few things. You would give blood samples – one before your heart surgery and another one or two after your surgery. We'll use these to check for the epigenetic markers and inflammation. During your time in hospital, we'll also keep a close eye on your recovery by collecting routine health information from your medical records, like lab test results and how your organs are working. Finally, we'll ask you to fill out a couple of simple questionnaires, one before surgery and one after, about your physical fitness and how you feel about your quality of life. This study is not testing any new treatments; it’s about understanding your body's response. The total duration of your active participation will be during your hospital stay and possibly a follow-up questionnaire. You can stop taking part at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health during your current surgery, as it's not a new treatment. However, the information we gather could help us better understand and prevent complications for future patients. The risks are very low; they include the small discomfort or bruising from giving blood samples. Your privacy will be protected, and your decision to take part or not will not affect your medical care in any way. Remember, you are free to change your mind and withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Golden Jubilee National Hospital, NHS National Waiting Times Centre
Verified postcode
Glasgow, United Kingdom

Common questions

What are 'epigenetics'?

Epigenetics are like switches or highlights on your DNA that tell your body which parts of your genetic instructions to use, influencing how your cells work and react to things like surgery.

Will this study give me a new treatment?

No, this study isn't testing new treatments. It's focused on understanding why some patients react differently to heart surgery and get complications.

What will I have to do if I join?

You'll be asked to give a few blood samples before and after your heart surgery, and complete some short questionnaires about your health and fitness.

Will taking part affect my medical care?

No, taking part in this study will not affect the medical care you receive for your heart surgery. It's completely separate from your treatment plan.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are completely free to withdraw from the study at any point, and you don't need to give a reason. Your medical care will not be affected.

How to find out more

Ben Shelley, MBChB Dip(Paed) FRCA FFICM MD

benjamin.shelley@glasgow.ac.uk 0141 951 5000 Official trial record

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