Analysis of Circulating Pulmonary Endothelial Cells

B
Benjamin Gaston

Primary Investigator

Administratively Closed
18 years - 60 years
All
Phase N/A
10 participants needed
1 Location

Brief description of study

What is the purpose of this study?

Endothelial cells line blood vessels to maintain vascular integrity and permeability. When these cells become damaged, they are shed from the lining of the blood vessels into the bloodstream and become known as circulating endothelial cells (CECs).  The purpose of this research is to study circulating endothelial cells (CECs) in subjects with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and compare those findings with CECs from persons who don’t have PAH, sometimes referred to as healthy controls.  

By studying the differences of CECs in subjects with and without PAH, we hope to understand how these influence PAH and PAH disease progression.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Subjects will be recruited from the pulmonary hypertension clinic at IU Health (Riley, University, Methodist) and word of mouth (for healthy controls).

Detailed description of study

What will happen during the study?
Attend one study visit that will last about 2 hours (study procedures will take place at Indiana University Health (University Hospital):

  • During this visit, you will complete a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) while wearing an airway clearance vest, followed immediately by activating the vest and drawing 40mL of arterial blood.
  • We will take your vital signs before the 6MWT and again after the blood draw.
  • We will also measure your body’s S-nitrosothiol (SNO) level using a nitrous oxide analyzer (NOA) before and after the 6MWT. 

Incentive/compensation

  • You will receive $50 in the form of a payment card for completing the study requirements.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Healthy, Pulmonary arterial hypertension, PAH
  • Age: 18 years - 60 years
  • Gender: All

Inclusion criteria:

  • Have either been diagnosed with PAH or are a healthy control (do not have PAH)

Exclusion criteria:
    PA pressure over 2/3 systemic
    Presence of unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease or presence of hemodynamically significant intracardiac shunt
    Anemia
    Recent history of syncope (prior 6 months) 
    Pregnant
    Inflammatory lung disease – either intercurrent or causing the PAH
    Hematological disorder, including polycythemia or neoplastic disease

Updated on 24 Apr 2026. Study ID: PPUL-IIR-ART-LINE, 23541

Interested in the study?

Select a study center that’s convenient for you, and get in touch with the study team.

Connect with the Study Team