View clinical trials related to Loeys-Dietz Syndrome.
Filter by:Loeys-Dietz syndrome (LDS) is a rare vascular genetic disorder (estimated prevalence 1/25,000-1/100,000) due primarily to mutations in the Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) cytokine receptor 1 and 2 genes. In addition to a common vascular phenotype with Marfan syndrome (dilatation of the ascending aorta, arachnodactyly, lens dislocation), patients present specific malformations (bifid uvula, hypertelorism, tortuous arteries) and immuno-allergic manifestations (asthma, eczema, food allergy, eosinophilic esophagitis, chronic inflammatory bowel disease). Pathophysiologically, LDS appears to be associated with hyperactivation of the intracellular TGF-β signaling pathway in a manner similar to Marfan syndrome, as evidenced by increased intracellular phosphorylated Smad2/3 (pSmad2/3) in lymphocytes. The immuno-allergic complications appear paradoxical because of the major immunosuppressive role of this cytokine on lymphoid and myeloid immune lineages. The biological description of immunological abnormalities associated with LDS is based on a single 2013 study that found increased regulatory T (Treg) and Th2 lymphocyte polarizations, as well as increased circulating eosinophil and total IgE levels. In order to better understand the underlying mechanisms, the investigators propose to perform a descriptive clinical-biological study to identify and study the immune subpopulations most impacted by the causative mutations of LDS.
The primary objective of this study is to determine whether specific patterns of circulating micro-ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) are associated with aortic aneurysm and dissection in patients with hereditary aortopathy syndromes. The most common of these syndromes is Marfan Syndrome (MFS), but several other recognized aortopathy syndromes are well characterized. The investigators propose the use of a simple blood test, from which miRNA profiles can be measured in individuals with aortopathy syndromes to be compared with miRNAs observed in a control population that has no known predisposition for aortic disease. The investigators hypothesize that microRNA profiles in individuals with Marfan syndrome, and related disorders, will be distinct from those seen in a control group. The investigators predict that up- or down-regulation of certain miRNAs will correlate with the presence and severity of aortic aneurysm, responses to medical therapy, and ultimately could be used to determine when an individual may be at risk of dissection.
The National Registry of Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Cardiovascular Conditions (GenTAC) was initiated in 2006 by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). GenTAC established a registry of 3706 patients with genetic conditions that may be related to thoracic aortic aneurysms and collected medical data and biologic samples. The study ended in September 2016. Data and samples are available from NHLBI and requests should be made to BioLINCC. See the NHLBI website for more information: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/research/resources/gentac/.