View clinical trials related to Atherosclerosis.
Filter by:The investigators' hypothesis is that local activation of the endogenous Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) plays an integral role in early atherosclerosis, and contributes to the mechanism of coronary endothelial dysfunction and to the structural and mechanical properties that characterize plaque vulnerability. Thus, this study will characterize prospectively the correlation between the functional and structural vascular wall properties, and the activity of the Lp-PLA2 pathway.
This is a pilot clinical trial to assess the ability of a new ultrasound-based imaging method, Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) ultrasound, to describe the composition and structure of atherosclerotic plaques. The hypothesis being tested is that in vivo, transcutaneous ARFI ultrasound delineates plaque composition and structure in human carotid arteries.
Introduction- Primary prevention is the main strategy to control the global burden of cardiovascular disease. In clinical practice, food restriction represents a valuable preventive resource. However, low adhesion rates and diet abandonment are considered important obstacles in treatment. Considering the discovery of new markers and mechanisms that relate food restriction and to all other cardiovascular risk factors, it is possible and necessary to seek for efficient alternatives to increase adherence and effectiveness of the preventive dietetic treatment. Surgical procedures can be used as a mechanism to promote food restriction. The bariatric surgery have gained importance not only for its potential application in obesity treatment but also in the control of cardiovascular risk factors refractory to medical treatment. Among bariatric operations, there is a group called digestive adaptations III that has specific characteristics.This surgical intervention modifies intestinal tract by reducing gastric volume and performing an anastomosis between ileum and stomach, creating a bipartition in the gut. This structural modification promotes satiety and increased insulin sensitivity more intensely than other surgical strategies. The effects of Digestive Adaptation III surgery on cardiovascular risk factors and on markers related to the development of atherosclerosis are not yet established. Objectives - To investigate the effect of Digestive Adaptation III surgery on clinical and laboratory parameters and cardiovascular risk factors. Methods - Twenty diabetics volunteers refractory to medical treatment and who have abdominal obesity will be included in the study. Of this group, half will be randomly selected to perform the Digestive Adaptations III surgery. All participants will undergo clinical and biochemical tests on the same occasions, up to thirty days before surgery, three twenty-four months after surgery. On these occasions besides the lipid profile and glucose, we will determine incretin hormones, adipokines and assess the amount of epicardial fat.
The aim of this study is to prospectively investigate the relationship of circulating endothelial progenitor cells at time of percutaneous coronary intervention to the subsequent development of in-stent restenosis or progression of coronary atherosclerosis.
The majority of the acute coronary events are caused by coronary artery segments with minimal luminal disease, but with potentially significant vascular wall inflammation and oxidative stress leading to plaque vulnerability. It has become apparent that an initial injury at the endothelial surface, is the primary site of the mechanisms involved and a role for vascular inflammation and the interaction with oxidative stress continues to emerge. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a novel biomarker for vascular wall inflammation that circulates in the blood bound to both low density (LDL) and high density (HDL) lipoprotein and promotes vascular inflammation. Circulating levels of Lp-PLA2 mass and activity are an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. Recent studies, demonstrating that Lp-PLA2 is also associated with coronary endothelial dysfunction. However, the relationship between Lp-PLA2 and early atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries, and the contribution of lipoprotein binding to the deleterious potential of Lp- PLA2 have not been elucidated. Our working hypothesis is that the endogenous local activation of the Lp-PLA2 pathway plays an integral role in early coronary atherosclerosis and contributes to the mechanism of coronary endothelial dysfunction and the structural and mechanical properties reflecting plaque vulnerability. Thus, the current application will characterize prospectively the correlation between the functional, mechanical, and structural vascular wall properties, and the systemic as well as the coronary activity of the Lp-PLA2 pathway.
Multiple risk factors contribute to atherosclerosis, which ultimately results in clinical manifestation of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerosis results in both functional and morphological changes in the vessel wall, which can be measured by ultrasonography. The current study has been designed to 1. To evaluate whether non-invasive measurements of atherosclerosis are independent predictors of cardiovascular disease and 2. to delineate new biochemical parameters and genetic variations, allowing earlier and more effective preventive therapy 3. The investigators intend to set guidelines for use of NIMA in an outpatient setting to facilitate early detection of increased cardiovascular risk and monitor life-style and pharmaceutical interventions. In both the general population and in Familial Combined Hyperlipidemia.
This study is a phase 1, intravenous, open-label, single-dose escalation study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ACP-501 (recombinant human Lecithin Cholesterol Acyl Transferase (rhLCAT)) in subjects with coronary artery disease (CAD). Four cohorts consisting of 4 subjects each will receive one dose of ACP-501. The dose will be escalated by cohort.
Dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-4) inhibitors are approved as add on therapy to improve glycaemic control in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). DPP-4 inactivates the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). Inhibiting the inactivation of GLP-1 leads to increased insulin- and reduced glucagon secretion after meals. DPP-4 has been shown to be present in atherosclerotic plaques. DPP-4 is a protease with substrates including cytokines and chemokines associated with atherosclerosis/inflammation. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of 3 months intervention with DPP-4 inhibitor saxagliptin on biomarkers related to atherosclerosis in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and T2DM, on circulating levels and on expression levels in circulating monocytes and adipose tissue. A reduction in markers associated with atherosclerosis could indicate an antiatherosclerotic effect of DPP-4 inhibitors beyond glycaemic control alone. Due to reduced sample size (recruitment problems) the main focus has changed and will now be on cellular aspects and gene regulation (initially secondary outcome measure).
The aim of this randomized double-blind study was to evaluate the effect of oral zinc and selenium supplementation on oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers as well as the status of zinc and selenium in patients with atherosclerosis and angina stable treated with rosuvastatin. The hypotheses tested in this study were: Treatment with rosuvastatin impairs zinc and selenium status in patients with atherosclerosis and stable angina? Zinc and selenium supplementation, concomitantly with rosuvastatin, influences the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory as well as the status of minerals?
The investigators will be assessing the effect of Aged Garlic Extract on the coronary arteries. The investigators will enroll patients in a double blind study, where half the patients will receive placebo, and have the patients undergo a series of tests of plaque (CT scan of the heart, carotid ultrasound) and follow the patients on the drug or placebo and then repeat the tests and blood work at the end of one year. The investigators will assess if being on aged garlic extract adds any benefit to plaque in the coronary or neck arteries. The investigators will also assess the effect of aged garlic extract on markers of inflammation. Patients will receive free drug, free testing and be compensated, and learn more about their heart and neck arteries. if successful, more patients can use this drug to benefit their health. The harms include the radiation from the CT scan and the medication, which has mild side effects.