Mechanisms and Consequences of Platelet Activation in IPF
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mechanisms and Consequences of Platelet Activation in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF)
IRAS ID
230656
Contact name
Simon P Hart
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive condition resulting in scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs. We do not understand the cause of this disease and have very limited treatment options available. IPF is associated with increased risk of heart disease and blood clots in the legs and lungs. Platelets are cells in the blood that are important in blood clotting and are known to be important in heart disease. Furthermore, it has now been found that platelets have a range of other effects including a role in fibrosis and inflammation. It has been found that platelets in patients with IPF are more excitable than those from patients without the disease. We aim to investigate the mechanism underlying the increased excitability of platelets in patients with IPF and identify the impact that this has on their function. Inflammation in IPF is an ongoing topic of debate and therefore research will also investigate if platelets display inflammatory tendencies in IPF patients.
REC name
Wales REC 4
REC reference
17/WA/0215
Date of REC Opinion
11 Jul 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion