Clinical Research Directory

Hormone thERapy Effects on BRAin-HEART Health During the Menopausal Transition

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether it is feasible to conduct a larger study comparing transdermal menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) versus no hormone therapy in menopausal women with vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and at least one cardiovascular risk factor. The main questions it aims to answer are: * What proportion of eligible women agree to be randomly assigned to either receive MHT or not? * How many participants complete the 12-month follow-up, including repeat heart imaging? * Does transdermal MHT affect early changes in heart muscle tissue as measured by cardiac MRI? Researchers will compare immediate initiation of transdermal estradiol (a skin gel or patch) to a no-hormone therapy strategy to see if MHT influences early cardiovascular and brain-vascular changes over 12 months. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to start transdermal MHT within 2 weeks, or to use no hormone therapy for at least the first 3 months * Undergo a cardiac MRI and retinal eye imaging at the start of the study and again at 12 months * Complete cognitive testing and questionnaires about symptoms, sleep, and stress at both visits * Provide a blood sample for storage and future analysis of heart and brain health markers * Receive follow-up phone calls at 3, 6, and 9 months to review symptoms, medications, and any health changes

The Role of CD34+ Stem Cells in the Pathogenesis of Takotsubo Syndrome

The underlying mechanisms of microvascular dysfunction in Takotsubo cardiomyopathy remain incompletely understood. As CD34+ cells are essential to coronary microvascular homeostasis we will investigate the potential association between CD34+ cell count and changes in left ventricular function in patients with Takotsubo cardiomyopathy at baseline and 6-month follow-up.

Palmitic Acid and Human Microvascular Function

The goal of this study is to learn how a supplement Quercetin can affect microvascular function. Participants will: * give two blood draws of 5 mL each * have a camera placed under the tongue to take pictures of blood vessels * have 2 laser Doppler microdialysis catheters placed on the forearm to monitor blood vessels before and after local drug infusion Researchers will compare blood vessel function of those who take estrogen supplements to those who do not.

The Effects of Evolocumab in Patients With Diabetes and Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease

Experimental models have linked lipid lowering therapies with systemic inflammation; however, relatively little is known about this network in clinical populations and specifically how it changes with PCSK9 inhibition. The eligible subjects will have 6 visits in 13 to 16 weeks and will have Repatha/placebo 140mg subcutaneous every 4 weeks for 3 times since randomization visit, blood tests will be done in each visit to evaluate the effects of evolocumab upon biocellular markers potentially altered by PCSK9 inhibition in a population of type 2 diabetes patients with microvascular dysfunction. Primary Aims: Determine the ACUTE and SHORT-TERM effects of PCSK9 inhibition with evolocumab on biocellular markers of inflammation, immune mediated thrombosis and rheology. The data from this trial will be used to support a clinical trial to assess the role of PCSK9 inhibition in type 2 diabetes patients with cardiac microvascular dysfunction. Secondary Aims: 1. To define the association between PCSK 9 concentrations and immune-related phenotype. 2. To define the association between Lp(a) concentrations, oxidized phospholipids (OxPL), ApoB, biocellular markers of inflammation, tissue factor and immunothrombosis.

Nailfold Capillaroscopy and Endothelial Biomarkers in Healthcare Workers Exposed to Chronic Low-Dose Ionizing Radiation

Chronic occupational exposure to low-dose ionizing radiation may lead to subclinical endothelial dysfunction and early microvascular alterations in healthcare workers. Nailfold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive method that allows direct visualization of microcirculatory changes. This observational study aims to evaluate microvascular alterations using nailfold capillaroscopy and to assess their association with serum endothelial and inflammatory biomarkers, including asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), von Willebrand factor (vWF), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and D-dimer levels. Healthcare workers with chronic low-dose radiation exposure will be compared with non-exposed controls. The study seeks to improve understanding of early vascular effects of occupational radiation exposure.

Comprehensive Coronary Physiology in Patients With Angina With Nonobstructive Coronary Arteries - Czech Republic

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. While cardiologists have been focused on discrete, visible stenoses of coronary arteries, there is increasing awareness of the importance of microcirculation and vasospastic disorders in causing angina. The microvascular bed is composed of vessels smaller than 400 microns in diameter. Their network is significantly larger than that of the epicardial vessels and serves essential functions, including regulating myocardial blood flow and cellular metabolism. Angina pectoris, a most frequent symptom of CAD or myocardial ischemia, was assumed to be caused by significant stenosis of the epicardial coronary artery. However, it was found that in over 50% of cases, there was no obstructive CAD, which is described as angina with no obstructive coronary arteries (ANOCA) or ischemia with no obstructive coronary arteries (INOCA), according to the clinical setting.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Stress-perfusion Study in Patinets with Fontan Circulation

Univentricular heart (UVH) is a severe congenital heart disease. Accurate advanced non-invasive diagnostic methods is limited. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has evolved as a particularly useful tool for the study of patients with adult congenital heart disease (ACHD) considering its ability to determine detailed anatomy and detect early cardiac dysfunction without the need for radiation exposure. Most of contemporary treatment recommendations are based on consensus opinions/documents and small studies from local, or national registries. Improved knowledge is needed in all these areas to facilitate clinical decisions regarding treatment, monitoring and follow-up. This study seeks to answer if early detection of deterioration in cardiac function, venous pressure and microvascular dysfunction can identify patients before the symptoms progress and thus help to initiate early treatment. The hypothesis is that quantitative myocardial stress-perfusion maps improves the pathophysiological insight in patients with UVH. The overall goal with this research proposal is to implement combined advanced CMR imaging for a comprehensive non-invasive mapping of functional cardiovascular behavior in patients with complex UVH disease. The outcome of this research may benefit this young adult patient population due to early detection of cardiac disease, less hospitalizations because of heart failure, and eventually decrease morbidity and mortality.

Mainz Intracoronary Database. The Coronary Slow-flow and Microvascular Diseases Registry

Primary goal of the registry is to collect prospective data on patients undergoing coronary angiography in Mainz. Following amendment of the procol, this study will also include patients who received an Aborb bioresorbable scaffold for the therapy of de novo stenoses.