View clinical trials related to Atherosclerosis, Cerebral.
Filter by:This study is to find out the significance of gut-microbiota in acute stroke patients, including their neurological, radiological outcomes as well as their stroke mechanisms.
Intracranial atherosclerotic disease is the most common cause of ischemic stroke that is directly attributed to the progression or rupture of intracranial high-risk plaque in Asia. Many studies mainly from Euro-American population with a focus on extracranial carotid plaque have fully demonstrated the advantages of intensive statin therapy on stabilizing or reversing plaque burden, reversing plaque composition presenting that lipid-rich necrotic core (LRNC) is gradually replaced by fibrous tissue, and even reversing pattern of arterial remodeling to reduce the occurrence of cerebrovascular events. Yet, direct evidence of the effect of intensive statin therapy on intracranial atherosclerotic plaques is lacking and the effect of statin intensity and duration on intracranial plaque burden and composition is still unclear. High resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) is a new and non-invasive technique that enable to assess the morphologic characteristics of vascular wall and plaque composition of intracranial artery. Based on above discussion, the investigators conduct this study to further determine the effect of intensive statin in ischemic stroke with intracranial atherosclerotic plaques.
The purpose of the study are: 1. To make quality, characterized samples and related data available for future studies, including Genome Wide Association Studies (GWAS), genomics, and biomarker research; 2. To use these samples and related medical information to answer research questions aimed at understanding the genetics and underlying biology of acquired disease and injury to the brain, heart and blood vessels with the express purpose of advancing the search for effective modalities for prevention, treatment, and recovery; 3. To develop additional operational infrastructure to support this project across the Prince of Wales Hospital and divisions, including (1) tracking of patient consent, (2) management of collection and sample processing processes, (3) sample inventory and QC/QA processes, and (4) release of materials to investigators for further research.