The INSPECT study

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Investigating Sarcopenia and Endotyping cachexia in those with long-term conditions

  • IRAS ID

    319030

  • Contact name

    Emma Watson

  • Contact email

    emma.watson@leicester.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    The University of Leicester

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    4 years, 11 months, 28 days

  • Research summary

    Skeletal muscle is common in a number of common long-term conditions. This is an important clinical problem as muscle loss is strongly associated with morbidity and mortality, a loss of independence and an increased risk of falls. It is also important for the patient as it causes a reduction in the quality of their life and changes in their mental health. The cause of muscle wasting is not completely understood and as such, there are currently no treatments. This study will investigate muscle mass, physical function and exercise capacity in a number of patients with long-term conditions and in biopsy samples (muscle or fat) and other samples (blood and urine) we will investigate the cause of this muscle loss to find possible treatments that we can then investigate further. We also do not understand if the cause of muscle wasting is different from illness to illness, or if they have a common cause. This information will help us to understand if there will need to be disease specific treatments, or if patients are likely to respond equally regarding of their illness. It is our hope that this research will lay the groundwork for treatments for muscle wasting to be developed

  • REC name

    London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    23/LO/0110

  • Date of REC Opinion

    16 Feb 2023

  • REC opinion

    Unfavourable Opinion