This study looks at how lipoproteins, which are particles in the blood that transport cholesterol, influence heart and blood vessel health. Beyond just their levels, the way these particles function plays a key role in preventing or contributing to disease. In some conditions, like high cholesterol or diabetes, lipoproteins may not work properly, increasing the risk of clogged arteries and other complications. The investigators aim to study these changes in people with lipid disorders to better understand their impact on blood health and to find new ways to prevent and treat heart disease.
Traditionally, lipoproteins have been associated with cardiovascular protection, but emerging research indicates that their functionality may be a more critical factor than their levels in evaluating cardiovascular risk. Lipoproteins, such as HDL, LDL, and VLDL, play vital roles in processes like reverse cholesterol transport and demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiplatelet properties. However, in conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, these lipoproteins often become dysfunctional, and the mechanisms behind this dysfunction remain incompletely understood. This study aims to thoroughly investigate the pathogenic roles of lipoproteins by examining their structural and functional modifications and their influence on platelet activity in individuals with lipid disorders.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
80
Brown University Health Lipid Clinic
East Providence, Rhode Island, United States
RECRUITINGCardiovascular Research Center
Providence, Rhode Island, United States
RECRUITINGPercentage of platelet aggregation
Platelet aggregation area under the curve will be used as primary endpoint. Specifically, the percentage of platelet aggregation multiple time will be calculated to get area under the curve as a comprehensive marker for platelet aggregation response.
Time frame: 5 years
Percentage of Activated Platelets as Assessed by Flow Cytometry
Platelet activation will be assessed as a secondary endpoint. The percentage of activated platelets will be measured using flow cytometry, focusing on markers such as P-selectin expression and fibrinogen binding to the GPIIb/IIIa receptor. Measurements will be taken at multiple time points, and data will be summarized using statistical measures such as mean ± standard deviation.
Time frame: 5 years
Plasma levels of CRP in mg/L
Inflammatory markers will be measured as secondary endpoints to evaluate systemic inflammation. Plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) will be reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or similar validated methods. Data will be summarized using statistical measures such as mean ± standard deviation, and comparisons will be made across study groups and time points.
Time frame: 5 years
Plasma levels of resolvins in pg/mL
Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) will be measured as secondary endpoints to assess their role in inflammation resolution. Plasma levels of resolvins will be quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Data will be summarized using statistical measures such as mean ± standard deviation, and comparisons will be made across study groups and time points.
Time frame: 5 years
Plasma Levels of IL-6 in pg/mL
Inflammatory markers will be measured as secondary endpoints to evaluate systemic inflammation. Plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) will be quantified in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or similar validated methods. Data will be summarized using statistical measures such as mean ± standard deviation, and comparisons will be made across study groups and time points.
Time frame: 5 years
Plasma Levels of TNF-α in pg/mL
Inflammatory markers will be measured as secondary endpoints to evaluate systemic inflammation. Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) will be quantified in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or similar validated methods. Data will be summarized using statistical measures such as mean ± standard deviation, and comparisons will be made across study groups and time points.
Time frame: 5 years
Plasma levels of protectins in pg/mL
Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) will be measured as secondary endpoints to assess their role in inflammation resolution. Plasma levels of protectins will be quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Data will be summarized using statistical measures such as mean ± standard deviation, and comparisons will be made across study groups and time points.
Time frame: 5 years
Plasma levels of maresins in pg/mL
Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) will be measured as secondary endpoints to assess their role in inflammation resolution. Plasma levels of maresins, will be quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and reported in picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Data will be summarized using statistical measures such as mean ± standard deviation, and comparisons will be made across study groups and time points.
Time frame: 5 years
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