Glycosaminoglycan-Remodeling Effects of Na+ Depletion and Equilibrium
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Glycosaminoglycan-Remodeling Effects of Na+ Depletion and Equilibrium
IRAS ID
160896
Contact name
Ian Wilkinson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Hypertension is a common disorder affecting roughly one third of the human population. Numerous studies have shown a link between dietary salt consumption and hypertension. In the UK the average salt intake far exceeds the recommended amount but only some individuals develop hypertension with high salt intake.Glycosaminoglycans(GAGs)are molecules found in connective tissue that bind to sodium and water,providing tissue resilience. Recent evidence suggests GAGs in the skin may enable us to buffer dietary sodium and plays a role in sodium handling. Difference in GAG activity may explain why some people develop hypertension and others are not affected. In this study we will salt deplete healthy individuals with a thiazide diuretic and measure changes in their skin sodium and skin GAGs using skin biopsies and chemical analysis. An initial pilot study will be used to determine an appropriate treatment time-course. A similar study by this group, the VARSITY Study, examines the effects of salt loading and is currently underway. We will also explore the feasibility of using MRI techniques to measure skin sodium.
REC name
East of England - Cambridge Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EE/0143
Date of REC Opinion
11 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion