Rheumatoid ArthritisNCT02468986
Study of Venous Endothelial Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
An observational study of Rheumatoid Arthritis, run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at 2 sites in United States.
Trial summary
Heart disease is the major contributor of early death in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is not influenced by traditional risk factors. Blood vessel dysfunction has been associated with heart disease and complications such as heart attack. The vessel dysfunction is thought to be mediated in part to inflammation. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 75 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- How many people
- 56 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesUnited States
- Study dates
- Aug 2011to Dec 2020
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 75 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Rheumatoid arthritis patients will be selected from arthritis clinics associated with UT Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Memorial Hospital. Healthy controls will be collected from primary care clinics who refer to these specialty clinics.
Who may be able to join
- Rheumatoid arthritis:
- Age 18-75 years
- Rheumatoid arthritis defined by 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria
- Attending clinic at University of Texas Southwestern Aston Clinic for Rheumatology or Parkland Arthritis Clinic.
- Healthy controls:
- Age 18-75 years.
Who cannot join
- Rheumatoid arthritis:
- Insulin dependent diabetes
- Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease
- Tobacco use in last 24 months
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Uncontrolled cholesterol
Show all 17Show fewer
- Pregnant or nursing
- Prednisone greater than 10mg per day
- Stable methotrexate dose for less than 4 weeks
- Undergoing Infliximab infusions
- Healthy controls:
- Insulin dependent diabetes
- Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease
- Tobacco use in last 24 months
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Uncontrolled cholesterol
- Pregnant or nursing
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country.
United States2 sites
Parkland Memorial Hospital
Dallas, Texas, 75235
University of Texas Southwestern
Dallas, Texas, 75390
About this study
Official title: Analysis of Endothelial Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Heart disease is the major contributor of early death in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is not influenced by traditional risk factors. Blood vessel dysfunction has been associated with heart disease and complications such as heart attack. The vessel dysfunction is thought to be mediated in part to inflammation. RA patients have evidence of vessel dysfunction seen on ultrasound that improves after medications are given.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients with controlled or uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis to determine if there is a difference in the protein expression in the cells that line the blood vessels compared to healthy people.
Read the detailed description
The study will consist of a cross sectional analysis of venous endothelial cells in rheumatoid arthritis patients who have controlled or uncontrolled disease and healthy controls. We will collect venous endothelial cells by placing an IV in antegrade position in the forearm and a thin wire will be inserted to collect the cells from the inner lining of the vein. The cells will processed and stained for markers of endothelial function and oxidative stress including endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phospho-eNOS, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and nitrotyrosine using immunofluorescence technique. Flow mediated dilation (FMD) by ultrasound of the brachial artery on the contralateral arm will be used as an additional marker of endothelial function. A blood sample will be taken for analysis of inflammatory markers (sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein) and cytokine analysis (IL-1, IL-6, TNFa) by cytokine bead array and flow cytometry.
- Conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Keywords
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Medical subject headings
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Rheumatoid Arthritis | 18-75 years old; Rheumatoid arthritis, defined by 1987 American College Rheumatology criteria; Attending clinic at Aston Center for Rheumatology or Parkland Rheumatology Clinic; Uncontrolled: Patients will be labeled as uncontrolled RA if Disease Activity Score (DAS) score is >3.2 and C-reactive protein (mg/dL) elevated above normal range. Excluding: Insulin dependent diabetes; Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease); Tobacco use in the past 24 months; Uncontrolled hypertension (BP > 150/90) in the past 3 months; Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia (LDL>160) in the past 6 months; Pregnant or nursing. | |
| Controlled Rheumatoid Arthritis | 18-75 years old; Rheumatoid arthritis, defined by 1987 American College Rheumatology criteria; Attending clinic at Aston Center for Rheumatology or Parkland Rheumatology Clinic; Controlled: Disease activity score (DAS) <3.2, normal C-reactive protein. Excluding: Insulin dependent diabetes; Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease); Tobacco use in the past 24 months; Uncontrolled hypertension (BP > 150/90) in the past 3 months; Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia (LDL>160) in the past 6 months; Pregnant or nursing. | |
| Healthy Controls | 18-75 years old. Excluding: Insulin dependent diabetes; Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease); Tobacco use in the past 24 months; Uncontrolled hypertension (BP > 150/90) in the past 3 months; Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia (LDL>160) in the past 6 months; Pregnant or nursing. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Endothelial cell protein expression by immunofluorescence microscopy of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine, nuclear factor kappa B.
Immunofluorescence microscopy of frozen endothelial cells will be processed in batches to reduce bias. Cells are assessed for individual protein expression at study entry. Repeated collection of cells will not been done.
Measured: Cells are immediately processed following extraction and placed in -80 degree C freezer. Cells are then analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy in batches of subjects. Patient is followed-up 24 hours after by phone.
Secondary outcomes (2)
Serum cytokines analysis by cytometric bead array
Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6, Tumor Necrosis Factor -alpha
Measured: Measured once upon enrollment into study. Patient is followed-up 24 hours after by phone.
Flow mediated dilation assessed in the brachial artery by ultrasound
Measured: Measured once upon enrollment into study. Patient is followed-up 24 hours after by phone.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted11 Jun 2015 (estimated)
- Study startAug 2011
- Primary completionAug 2019
- Study completionDec 2020
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (8)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Rheumatoid ArthritisStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- American Heart Association, Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Elizabeth Blair Solow, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
- Investigators
- Elizabeth B Solow, MD, Principal investigator, University of TexasDavid Karp, MD, PhD, Principal investigator, University of Texas
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02468986
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STU 012011-034
- Status last verified
- Mar 2021
- First submitted
- 6 Mar 2014
- Last updated
- 2 Apr 2021
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
Publications
Vaudo G, Marchesi S, Gerli R, Allegrucci R, Giordano A, Siepi D, Pirro M, Shoenfeld Y, Schillaci G, Mannarino E. Endothelial dysfunction in young patients with rheumatoid arthritis and low disease activity. Ann Rheum Dis. 2004 Jan;63(1):31-5. doi: 10.1136/ard.2003.007740.
PubMed 14672888Maradit-Kremers H, Crowson CS, Nicola PJ, Ballman KV, Roger VL, Jacobsen SJ, Gabriel SE. Increased unrecognized coronary heart disease and sudden deaths in rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based cohort study. Arthritis Rheum. 2005 Feb;52(2):402-11. doi: 10.1002/art.20853.
PubMed 15693010del Rincon ID, Williams K, Stern MP, Freeman GL, Escalante A. High incidence of cardiovascular events in a rheumatoid arthritis cohort not explained by traditional cardiac risk factors. Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Dec;44(12):2737-45. doi: 10.1002/1529-0131(200112)44:123.0.CO;2-%23.
PubMed 11762933Neunteufl T, Katzenschlager R, Hassan A, Klaar U, Schwarzacher S, Glogar D, Bauer P, Weidinger F. Systemic endothelial dysfunction is related to the extent and severity of coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis. 1997 Feb 28;129(1):111-8. doi: 10.1016/s0021-9150(96)06018-2.
PubMed 9069525Gonzalez-Juanatey C, Llorca J, Sanchez-Andrade A, Garcia-Porrua C, Martin J, Gonzalez-Gay MA. Short-term adalimumab therapy improves endo-thelial function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to infliximab. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006 May-Jun;24(3):309-12.
PubMed 16870100Galarraga B, Khan F, Kumar P, Pullar T, Belch JJ. C-reactive protein: the underlying cause of microvascular dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2008 Dec;47(12):1780-4. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/ken386. Epub 2008 Oct 14.
PubMed 18854346Schwartz R, Osborne-Lawrence S, Hahner L, Gibson LL, Gormley AK, Vongpatanasin W, Zhu W, Word RA, Seetharam D, Black S, Samols D, Mineo C, Shaul PW. C-reactive protein downregulates endothelial NO synthase and attenuates reendothelialization in vivo in mice. Circ Res. 2007 May 25;100(10):1452-9. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.0000267745.03488.47. Epub 2007 Apr 19.
PubMed 17446434Oemar BS, Tschudi MR, Godoy N, Brovkovich V, Malinski T, Luscher TF. Reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and production in human atherosclerosis. Circulation. 1998 Jun 30;97(25):2494-8. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.97.25.2494.
PubMed 9657467
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Apr 2021. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Analysis of Endothelial Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT02468986
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STU 012011-034
- Conditions
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Keywords
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 56 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- American Heart Association, Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Study start
- Aug 2011 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Aug 2019 (actual)
- Study completion
- Dec 2020 (actual)
- First posted
- 11 Jun 2015 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Heart disease is the major contributor of early death in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is not influenced by traditional risk factors. Blood vessel dysfunction has been associated with heart disease and complications such as heart attack. The vessel dysfunction is thought to be mediated in part to inflammation. RA patients have evidence of vessel dysfunction seen on ultrasound that improves after medications are given.
The purpose of this study is to evaluate patients with controlled or uncontrolled rheumatoid arthritis to determine if there is a difference in the protein expression in the cells that line the blood vessels compared to healthy people.
Detailed description
The study will consist of a cross sectional analysis of venous endothelial cells in rheumatoid arthritis patients who have controlled or uncontrolled disease and healthy controls. We will collect venous endothelial cells by placing an IV in antegrade position in the forearm and a thin wire will be inserted to collect the cells from the inner lining of the vein. The cells will processed and stained for markers of endothelial function and oxidative stress including endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), phospho-eNOS, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and nitrotyrosine using immunofluorescence technique. Flow mediated dilation (FMD) by ultrasound of the brachial artery on the contralateral arm will be used as an additional marker of endothelial function. A blood sample will be taken for analysis of inflammatory markers (sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein) and cytokine analysis (IL-1, IL-6, TNFa) by cytokine bead array and flow cytometry.
Study design
- Observational model
- Case-control
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Rheumatoid Arthritis | – | –18-75 years old; Rheumatoid arthritis, defined by 1987 American College Rheumatology criteria; Attending clinic at Aston Center for Rheumatology or Parkland Rheumatology Clinic; Uncontrolled: Patients will be labeled as uncontrolled RA if Disease Activity Score (DAS) score is >3.2 and C-reactive protein (mg/dL) elevated above normal range. Excluding: Insulin dependent diabetes; Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease); Tobacco use in the past 24 months; Uncontrolled hypertension (BP > 150/90) in the past 3 months; Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia (LDL>160) in the past 6 months; Pregnant or nursing. |
| Controlled Rheumatoid Arthritis | – | –18-75 years old; Rheumatoid arthritis, defined by 1987 American College Rheumatology criteria; Attending clinic at Aston Center for Rheumatology or Parkland Rheumatology Clinic; Controlled: Disease activity score (DAS) <3.2, normal C-reactive protein. Excluding: Insulin dependent diabetes; Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease); Tobacco use in the past 24 months; Uncontrolled hypertension (BP > 150/90) in the past 3 months; Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia (LDL>160) in the past 6 months; Pregnant or nursing. |
| Healthy Controls | – | –18-75 years old. Excluding: Insulin dependent diabetes; Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease); Tobacco use in the past 24 months; Uncontrolled hypertension (BP > 150/90) in the past 3 months; Uncontrolled hyperlipidemia (LDL>160) in the past 6 months; Pregnant or nursing. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Rheumatoid arthritis patients will be selected from arthritis clinics associated with UT Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Memorial Hospital. Healthy controls will be collected from primary care clinics who refer to these specialty clinics.
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age 18-75 years
- Rheumatoid arthritis defined by 1987 American College of Rheumatology criteria
- Attending clinic at University of Texas Southwestern Aston Clinic for Rheumatology or Parkland Arthritis Clinic.
- Age 18-75 years.
Key exclusion criteria (17 listed)
- Insulin dependent diabetes
- Cardiovascular or Cerebrovascular disease
- Tobacco use in last 24 months
- Uncontrolled blood pressure
- Uncontrolled cholesterol
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
Endothelial cell protein expression by immunofluorescence microscopy of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine, nuclear factor kappa B.
Time frame: Cells are immediately processed following extraction and placed in -80 degree C freezer. Cells are then analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy in batches of subjects. Patient is followed-up 24 hours after by phone.
Immunofluorescence microscopy of frozen endothelial cells will be processed in batches to reduce bias. Cells are assessed for individual protein expression at study entry. Repeated collection of cells will not been done.
2 secondary outcomes
Serum cytokines analysis by cytometric bead array
Time frame: Measured once upon enrollment into study. Patient is followed-up 24 hours after by phone.
Flow mediated dilation assessed in the brachial artery by ultrasound
Time frame: Measured once upon enrollment into study. Patient is followed-up 24 hours after by phone.
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Apr 2021.
- Background: PubMed 14672888Vaudo G, Marchesi S, Gerli R, Allegrucci R, Giordano A, Siepi D, Pirro M, Shoenfeld Y, Schillaci G, Mannarino E. Endothelial dysfunction in young patients with rheumatoid arthritis and low disease activity. Ann Rheum Dis. 2004 Jan;63(1):31-5. doi: 10.1136/ard.2003.007740.
- Background: PubMed 15693010Maradit-Kremers H, Crowson CS, Nicola PJ, Ballman KV, Roger VL, Jacobsen SJ, Gabriel SE. Increased unrecognized coronary heart disease and sudden deaths in rheumatoid arthritis: a population-based cohort study. Arthritis Rheum. 2005 Feb;52(2):402-11. doi: 10.1002/art.20853.
- Background: PubMed 11762933del Rincon ID, Williams K, Stern MP, Freeman GL, Escalante A. High incidence of cardiovascular events in a rheumatoid arthritis cohort not explained by traditional cardiac risk factors. Arthritis Rheum. 2001 Dec;44(12):2737-45. doi: 10.1002/1529-0131(200112)44:123.0.CO;2-%23.
- Background: PubMed 9069525Neunteufl T, Katzenschlager R, Hassan A, Klaar U, Schwarzacher S, Glogar D, Bauer P, Weidinger F. Systemic endothelial dysfunction is related to the extent and severity of coronary artery disease. Atherosclerosis. 1997 Feb 28;129(1):111-8. doi: 10.1016/s0021-9150(96)06018-2.
- Background: PubMed 16870100Gonzalez-Juanatey C, Llorca J, Sanchez-Andrade A, Garcia-Porrua C, Martin J, Gonzalez-Gay MA. Short-term adalimumab therapy improves endo-thelial function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis refractory to infliximab. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2006 May-Jun;24(3):309-12.
- Background: PubMed 18854346Galarraga B, Khan F, Kumar P, Pullar T, Belch JJ. C-reactive protein: the underlying cause of microvascular dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2008 Dec;47(12):1780-4. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/ken386. Epub 2008 Oct 14.
- Background: PubMed 17446434Schwartz R, Osborne-Lawrence S, Hahner L, Gibson LL, Gormley AK, Vongpatanasin W, Zhu W, Word RA, Seetharam D, Black S, Samols D, Mineo C, Shaul PW. C-reactive protein downregulates endothelial NO synthase and attenuates reendothelialization in vivo in mice. Circ Res. 2007 May 25;100(10):1452-9. doi: 10.1161/01.RES.0000267745.03488.47. Epub 2007 Apr 19.
- Background: PubMed 9657467Oemar BS, Tschudi MR, Godoy N, Brovkovich V, Malinski T, Luscher TF. Reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression and production in human atherosclerosis. Circulation. 1998 Jun 30;97(25):2494-8. doi: 10.1161/01.cir.97.25.2494.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Elizabeth B Solow, MD principal investigator
University of Texas
David Karp, MD, PhD principal investigator
University of Texas
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Rheumatoid Arthritis, run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at 2 sites in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 17 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Apr 2021. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Endothelial cell protein expression by immunofluorescence microscopy of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nitrotyrosine, nuclear factor kappa B. (time frame: Cells are immediately processed following extraction and placed in -80 degree C freezer. Cells are then analyzed by immunofluorescence microscopy in batches of subjects. Patient is followed-up 24 hours after by phone.). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02468986, which also lists 8 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Apr 2021; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.