Protocol Number: 02-H-0265

Title:

Identification of Genes Expressed in Atherosclerotic Plaques

Number:

02-H-0265

Summary:

This study will identify genes and proteins in the blood of patients with atherosclerosis and in that of normal volunteers. The findings will be compared to determine the influence of these substances on the development of atherosclerosis-a narrowing and hardening of blood vessel walls by deposits of fatty substances. Blood vessel blockage caused by atherosclerosis can impede blood flow and cause stroke, heart attack and poor limb circulation. The information from this study may lead to better ways to detect, prevent and treat these diseases.

Healthy volunteers and patients scheduled for carotid endarterectomy at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland, are eligible for this study. Carotid endarterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the inner layer of the carotid artery (neck artery supplying blood to the brain) is scraped away to open the blocked vessel. Participants will undergo the following tests and procedures:

Patients

-Blood sample: Collection of about 32 cc (8 tablespoons) of blood for genetic and protein analysis

- Tissue sample: Collection of a piece of diseased blood vessel discarded from the endarterectomy procedure

- Review of records: Review of medical records for information about past illnesses, medications, tests, and so forth, if needed

Normal Volunteers

- Blood samples: Collection of about 32 cc (8 tablespoons) of blood for genetic and protein analysis

- Carotid artery ultrasound: Ultrasound imaging of the neck arteries for detection of any blockage

- Electrocardiogram: Recording of the electrical activity of the heart to detect any abnormalities in heart rhythm

- Echocardiogram: Ultrasound examination to detect possible abnormalities of the heart muscle

- Cardiac stress test: Treadmill stress test to detect possible heart vessel blockage (for subjects who have not had a cardiac stress test in the past year)

- Review of records: Review of medical records for information about past illnesses, medications, tests, and so forth, if needed

Sponsoring Institute:

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Recruitment Detail

Type: No longer recruiting/follow-up only

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: Yes

Population Exclusion(s): Children

Eligibility Criteria: This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Special Instructions:

Currently Not Provided

Keyword(s):

Serial Analysis of Gene Expression

Carotid Artery Plaque

Atherosclerosis

Recruitment Keyword(s):

Atherosclerosis

Condition(s):

Atherosclerosis

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Interventions:

None

Supporting Site:

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute

Contact(s):

This study is not currently recruiting new subjects. If you have questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.

Citation(s):

Glass CK, Witztum JL Atherosclerosis the road aheadCell 2001 Feb 23;104(4):503-16 Review No abstract available

Fayad ZA, Fuster V Clinical imaging of the high-risk or vulnerable atherosclerotic plaque Circ Res 2001 Aug 17;89(4):305-16 Review

Libby P, Ridker PM, Maseri A Inflammation and atherosclerosisCirculation 2002 Mar 5;105(9):1135-43 Review

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department Clinical Research Informatics, CC.

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