CorVasc Science Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mechanisms and therapy development for small vessel disease.
IRAS ID
307262
Contact name
Colin Berry
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Golden Jubilee National Hospital / National Waiting Times Board
Duration of Study in the UK
15 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The BHF estimates 2.3 million people are living with coronary heart disease in the UK alone but only 1 in 2 have blocked coronary arteries. Many patients have angina due to small vessel problems yet there are no treatments. Our reserach group has led on clinical research for small vessel disease. To develop new treatments for this problem, we need to study the blood vessels and cells in the laboratory. Usually, patients are invited to give a biopsy. In this study, we propose a much more convenient approach: obtaining the biopsy when the patient is already under anaesthesia for a clinically-indicated lower limb surgery.
Collaborating with orthopaedic colleagues, we will screen and invite patients due to undergo lower limb surgery. A clinical profile of each patient, who has given written informed consent, for cardiovascular risk factors, disease and treatment. During the operation, the surgeon will take a biopsy of tissue from the surgical incision and underlying skin. In the laboratory, small blood vessels will be identified using a microscope and studied to assess their response to various current or potential drugs. We will use molecular biology techniques to better understand the mechanisms of novel compounds for drug development of small vessel disease. The tissue responses will be linked to hospitalisation/death for up to 15 years. To make the best use of the tissue we may collaborate with other researchers and companies in order to develop new drug treatments.
Broadening our scope with blood sampling, we will look at other discriminating characteristics of blood vessel function and treatment response, including COVID-19 status, cholesterol, glucose handling and genotype.
In summary, we propose to utilize laboratory science to better understand personalized drug treatment responses in patients with small-vessel diseases, with a view to developing treatments that will improve patients' quality of life and health outcomes.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
22/WS/0105
Date of REC Opinion
12 Dec 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion