The effect of natural surfactants on plasma surface tension in vitro
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Enhancement of Toxic Neutrophil Granulation in whole blood and Activity of natural Surfactant on Plasma Surface Tension (TONGAS-PST Study)
IRAS ID
304067
Contact name
Jamshid Alaghband-Zadeh
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 2 days
Research summary
This is a pilot study that is a cross-sectional, two-part, prospective in-vitro assessment of white cell and plasma function to fight infections in humans. The first part of the study will involve collecting whole blood samples from 20 healthy controls, 20 patients with viral infections and 20 with bacterial infections. Toxic granulation is the process by which neutrophils (white cells that consume other cells and pathogens) destroy microbes. This study will look at the process under the microscope in the three above cohorts and will investigate whether the addition of a proprietary triple agent can augment the process.
The second part of the study will look at plasma surface tension. Lower surface tension of blood plasma (the non-cellular component of blood) can hinder the spread of pathogens. Blood samples will be collected from 20 controls, 20 viral patients and 20 bacterial patients in 5 different age groups (<12, 12-18, 19-40, 41-60, >60). The plasma surface tensions in these populations will be characterised. Further, the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid treatment (a naturally occurring surfactant) and the proprietary triple agent will be added to the samples and the effect on surface tension measured.
The samples used in this study will be obtained from a pathology laboratory at West Middlesex Hospital. The samples will be surplus samples from patients who have been bled for routine clinical care. Patients will not be specifically bled for this study. The surplus samples will otherwise be discarded. The patients will be pseudonymised to the research team, and no patient identifiable data will be shared outside of the direct care team. This study will not uncover any information that will necessitate the identification of a patient, or that will change patient care.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/PR/0536
Date of REC Opinion
26 Apr 2022
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion