View clinical trials related to Disease Susceptibility.
Filter by:Heat Intolerance (HI) is a life threatening deficiency that can lead to heat exhaustion, heat stroke (and possibly death) in a large number of military and civilian occupational groups. We have demonstrated malfunction of transcriptional pathways in the heat stressed HI phenotype and an altered gene expression profile compared to Heat Tolerant (HT) individuals. Such differences are evident even under normothermic basal/comfort conditions. Heat and exercise challenges during the heat tolerance test (HTT) further emphasize the differences between the groups, particularly during recovery at comfort temperatures. Our results indicate that it may be possible to identify markers of heat intolerance. To achieve this goal, we plan to design a cellular (lymphocyte) HTT experimental model and detect gene expression profiles using customized DNA microarrays and bioinformatic tools (the genes selected will be based on our previous DNA microarray studies). Lymphocyte samples collected from HT and HI individuals under resting/comfort conditions will be examined. Treatments and analyses are designed to reveal HI-associated gene-expression profiles (constitutive or inducible), and thereby find lymphocyte markers to identify individuals predisposed to heat injury. The identification of such subjects could prevent unnecessary loss of life. Notably, the rapidly changing climate in our era increases the number of occupation/age groups in which manifestations of HI will appear.
This clinical research study will identify biologic and lifestyle factors which increase a person's risk of developing specific cancer. Researchers propose to conduct a case-control study examining interindividual differences in susceptibility to tobacco carcinogenesis as predictors of bladder cancer risk. We will measure susceptibility to tobacco carcinogenesis and this will include studies of the genetic modulation of carcinogen activation and detoxification and of chromosome sensitivity to tobacco mutagens.
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in Western societies. It is a complex genetic disorder with many genes involved and significant gene-environment interactions. The aim of the study is to identify novel genetic- and biological-markers of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is assessed in the coronary arteries using coronary angiography as well as in the carotid artery (intima-media-thickness) and peripheral vessels (ankle brachial index). Association analysis of genetic and metabolic markers with atherosclerotic burden will be performed to identify novel factors of disposition to atherosclerotic vascular disease.
The research is aimed at identifying new predisposition genes for endocrine tumours. Our focus initially is on pituitary adenomas including growth hormone-secreting tumors (somatotrophinomas) and prolactin secreting tumours (prolactinomas), but we wish to extend work to other pituitary tumour cases/families. The recruitment process will be as follows. 1. We will recruit patients from our own Endocrine outpatient clinics and inpatient wards. In addition we will ask colleagues in other Endocrinology Departments (or other specialties such as Clinical Genetics,Pathology, General Medicine ) to identify potentially suitable patients with endocrine & pituitary tumours from their records. We shall focus on patients with good evidence of inheritance of their condition: relatively early onset; or multiple lesions; or other affected family members. Conditions where the predisposing genes have been identified (principally MEN) will be excluded from study. Patients directly contacting us can also enter the study. 2. The Consultant looking after the patient will contact the patient to initially inform him/her of the study. 3. We will then contact the patient (generally by telephone) to discuss the study and what it would entail in terms of information and samples. 4. Subject to agreement in (3), patient will receive 'Information Sheet for patients with pituitary tumour' and 'Consent Form' and will have blood sampling in Consultant's clinic. 5. We will contact additional family members (if appropriate) after an initial approach by the family member already recruited to the study. The additional family members may have developed tumours similar to those of the proband, or may be unaffected individuals who provide useful information for gene identification purposes (for example, spouses may greatly aid the power of gene mapping by linkage. They will receive the "Information Sheet for family members". analysis). 8. Archival tissue will be obtained from HTA licensed tissue banks. This is an established bank whose licence is primarily for diagnosis but can be used for research. 9. We will undertake laboratory work, such as genetic linkage analysis, candidate gene mutation screening and studies of loss of heterozygosity in tumours, to identify the genes predisposing to the condition, such as the AIP gene. In addition we would like to screen other genes related to the chaperon AIP molecule, such as AhR, and other genes currently identified (PDE4A5, survivin and Tom20 protein) or may not been identified. Blood samples for DNA and RNA will coded with unique ID numbers. Pituitary and other endocrine tumour samples will be collected at surgery and kept in liquid nitrogen or -80 C. They will be coded with unique ID numbers. Candidate gene sequencing will be performed in the Barts and the London Medical School Genome Centre. RNA expression studies from blood or adenoma tissue samples will be performed by RT-PCR. Protein expression studies will be performed by Western blotting or immunohistochemistry. The first gene we wish to study causes familial acromegaly, a disease resulting from a pituitary adenoma secreting growth hormone. To establish if the candidate gene is also causing possibly sporadic (not familial) cases of the disease, samples (blood and tissue) will be collected from patients with sporadic disease and will be analysed as above.
The aim of this study is to identify genetic loci,or gene variations contributing to inflammation and to the development of CHD. We will compare coronary angiogram results to genetic findings within coronary artery disease patients and in patients with normal coronaries.
This screening study will examine the causes of immune disorders affecting white blood cells, which defend against infections and will try to develop better means of diagnosis and treatment of these immune disorders. This is a 2 visit screening study and patients determined to be of interest for additional study or treatment will be asked to provide consent for enrollment into an appropriate NIH follow up study. This study does not cover the cost of the first visit to NIH for travel or lodgings but does cover the subsequent visit if there is one. A financial assessment may determine if the patient is eligible for financial assistance. This study does not enroll children under the age of 2. Patients known to have or suspected of having increased susceptibility to infections and their blood relatives may be eligible for this study, at the discretion of the principal investigator. Patients and family members may undergo the following procedures: - Personal and family medical history. - Physical examination and blood and urine tests. - Studies of breathing function (pulmonary function testing) - Dental examination. - Eye examination. - Genetic Testing - Stored specimens for future analysis - Microscopic examination of saliva, wound drainage or tissues removed for medical reasons for cell, hormone or DNA studies. In addition, patients will be asked to obtain permission for investigators to obtain their medical records, previous test results, or radiographic studies prior to the first visit. Patients will be asked to undergo imaging studies, such as a chest X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan. ...
The proposed work is based on the detection of a novel molecule for sensitivity to oxidative stress in humans in venous blood
This study will investigate what causes hereditary leiomyomatosis renal (kidney) cell cancer, or HLRCC, and how the disease is related to the development of kidney tumors. Leiomyomas are benign (non-cancerous) tumors arising from smooth muscle. HLRCC can cause various health problems. Some people develop red bumps on their skin that can be painful at times. Some women with HLRCC can develop leiomyomas of the uterus. In some families, people with HLRCC develop kidney tumors. This study will try to determine: - What gene changes (mutations) cause HLRCC - What kind of kidney tumors develop in HLRCC and how they grow - What the chance is that a person with HLRCC will develop a kidney tumor People with known or suspected HLRCC (and their family members of any age) may be eligible for this study. This includes people in families in which one or more members has skin leiomyoma and kidney cancer; skin leiomyoma and uterine leiomyoma; multiple skin leiomyomas; kidney cancer and uterine leiomyomas, or kidney cancer consistent with HLRCC, including, but not limited to, collecting duct or papillary, type II. Candidates will be screened with a physical examination, family history, and, for affected family members, a review of medical records, including pathology slides and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Participants will undergo tests and procedures that may include the following: - Review of medical records, x-rays, and tissue slides - Physical examination and family history - Skin examination - Gynecological examination for women - Interviews with a cancer doctor, cancer nurses, kidney surgeon, and genetic counselor - Blood tests for: 1. Genetic research to identify the gene responsible for HLRCC 2. Evaluation of liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, and thyroid function 3. Complete blood count and clotting profile 4. Pregnancy test for pre-menopausal women 5. PSA test for prostate cancer in men over age 40 - CT or MRI scans (for participants 15 years of age and older only) - Skin biopsy (surgical removal of a small sample of skin tissue) - Cheek swab or mouth rinse to collect cells for genetic analysis - Medical photographs of lesions - Questionnaire When the tests are completed, participants will discuss the results with a doctor and possibly a genetic nurse or genetic counselor. The genetic findings will not be revealed to participants because their meaning and implications may not yet be understood. Participants may be asked to return to NIH from every 3 months to every 3 years, depending on their condition, for follow-up examinations and tests.
This study will investigate the genetic cause of Birt Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome and the relationship of this disorder to kidney cancer. BHD is a rare inherited condition characterized by papules, or bumps benign tumors involving hair follicles on the head and neck. People with BHD are at increased risk of developing kidney cancer. Scientists have identified the chromosome (strand of genetic material in the cell nucleus) that contains the BHD gene and the region of the gene on the chromosome. This study will try to learn more about: - The characteristics and type of kidney tumors associated with BHD - The risk of kidney cancer in people with BHD - Whether more than one gene causes BHD - The genetic mutations (changes) responsible for BHD Patients with known or suspected Birt Hogg-Dube syndrome, and their family members, may be eligible for this study. Candidates will be screened with a family history and review of medical records, including pathology reports for tumors, and films of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Participants may undergo various tests and procedures, including the following: - Physical examination - Review of personal and family history with a cancer doctor, cancer nurses, kidney surgeon, and genetic counselor - Chest and other x-rays - Ultrasound (imaging study using sound waves) - MRI (imaging study using radiowaves and a magnetic field) - CT scans of the chest and abdomen (imaging studies using radiation) - Blood tests for blood chemistries and genetic testing - Skin evaluation, including a skin biopsy (surgical removal of a small skin tissue sample for microscopic evaluation) - Cheek swab or mouthwash to collect cells for genetic analysis - Lung function studies - Medical photography of skin lesions These tests will be done on an outpatient basis in either one day or over 3 to 4 days. When the studies are complete, participants will receive counseling about the findings and recommendations. Patients with kidney lesions may be asked to return periodically, such as every 3 to 36 months, based on their individual condition, to document the rate of progression of the lesions.