Cellular and genetic dysfunction following high-energy trauma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Genetic and Cellular Effects of high-energy trauma in Skeletal muscle (CellEffecTS)
IRAS ID
283025
Contact name
Paul Hindle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
The primary aim of this research proposal is to identify the change in cellular function and genetic expression from skeletal muscle following high-energy trauma. We hypothesise that muscle from high-energy injuries will demonstrate genetic dysregulation due to dysfunctional cells compared to muscle with no trauma and that it is this dysfunction which causes the underlying environment that leads to complications such as heterotopic ossification, infection, inflammation and bone non-unions. Once these mechanisms can be understood it will allow further research to create novel therapies to prevent and treat the complications of trauma that disproportionately affect military patients.
We propose to use samples of the gluteus minimus muscle from patients who have sustained a posterior acetabular fractures with dislocation of the femoral head. This muscle is severely damaged during the injury and is known to generate heterotopic ossification if it is not excised. This makes it an ideal sample as it is excised as part of the patients’ treatment and generates one of the conditions of interest so is likely to demonstrate the changes that this study is aiming to find. Control samples will be obtained from the gluteus maximus of the same patient - this muscle is split during the approach and so there would be minimal additional trauma to the patient by harvesting this tissue.
The study will be conducted within the University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and the associated University of Birmingham laboratories. Given the number of acetabular fractures we anticipate being able to recruit enough patients within twelve months.REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
21/WA/0326
Date of REC Opinion
24 Nov 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion