NCT01143480 · National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS)
Study of the Effect of Innate on the Inflammatory Response to Endotoxin
What this study is about
Background: \- Innate immunity is the process by which white blood cells and other parts of the immune system sense and respond to potential infections by causing an inflammation. Researchers are interested in studying how the body responds to certain environmental factors, and whether the body s response can contribute to chronic illnesses or diseases such as asthma and certain types of cancers.
View original scientific description
Background: \- Innate immunity is the process by which white blood cells and other parts of the immune system sense and respond to potential infections by causing an inflammation. Researchers are interested in studying how the body responds to certain environmental factors, and whether the body s response can contribute to chronic illnesses or diseases such as asthma and certain types of cancers. Objectives: \- To examine how specific genes and proteins in blood cells respond to environmental exposures. Eligibility: \- Healthy volunteers between 18 and 45 years of age. Design: * The study will involve one visit of 45 to 60 minutes. * Participants will be screened with a brief physical examination and finger stick to determine if they are eligible to donate blood for the study, and will complete a questionnaire about any medications or other drugs (e.g., cigarettes) they may be taking. * Participants will provide a blood sample for research purposes.
Primary outcome measures
The primary endpoints of this study are for both cell types and will be levels of 6 cytokines [TNF alpha, IL-6, MIP-2, IL-8, MCP-1, and IFN-beta (ELISA)] induced by LPS and by PAM3CSK4 plus baseline cytokine levels (no exposure to LPS or PAM3CSK...
Time frame: After analysis
The primary endpoints of this study are for both cell types and will be levels of 6 cytokines \[TNF alpha, IL-6, MIP-2, IL-8, MCP-1, and IFN-beta (ELISA)\] induced by LPS and by PAM3CSK4 plus baseline cytokine levels (no exposure to LPS or PAM3CSK4).
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Male or female 18 years of age or older
- Participants must be able to understand and provide written informed consent to participate in the study
- Participants must be able to travel to the CRU
- Willing and able to fast after midnight the night prior to their study appointment.
- Healthy participants as defined by the International Red Cross guidelines (Healthy means that an individual feels well and can perform normal activities. If the individual has a chronic condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure, healthy also means that they are being treated and the condition is under control).
Exclusion criteria
- Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within 5 days prior to enrollment visit (e.g., Motrin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and Advil)
- Use of acetaminophen (Tylenol) within 5 days prior to enrollment visit
- Use of cholesterol lowering drugs (statins) within 30 days prior to enrollment visit (e.g., Zocor, Mevacor, Lipitor, and Crestor)
- Use of immunosuppressants or other immune-modifying drugs \[e.g., Rituxan, Humira, Enbrel, Cyclosporin (Neoral, Sandimmune, and SangCya), and Azathioprine (Imuran)\], Monoclonal antibodies \[e.g., infliximab (Remicade)\], and corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone)
- Current treatment for cancer with chemotherapy or radiation
- Confirmed or suspected immunosuppressive or immunodeficient condition
- GI or respiratory Illness within 5 days prior to enrollment visit, including cold or allergies
- Smoked tobacco, chewed tobacco or used electronic cigarettes within 2 weeks prior to enrollment visit (for participants who provide a urine specimen, this will be defined by urine cotinine \>200 ng/mL at visit)
- Alcohol consumption greater than 2 standard drinks (1 standard drink contains 15 g of ethanol) per day within the last 24 hours prior to the enrollment visit
- Body weight \< 50 kg (\<110 lbs)
- Temperature \> 37.6 C; blood pressure \< 90/50 mm Hg or \> 170/95 mm Hg; pulse rate \< 50 or \>100 beats/minute
- Pregnant or suspected pregnancy
- Chronic Kidney Disease The PI may review medication use on a case by case basis and make a medical determination on the participant s eligibility. In these cases, the PI determination will be documented in the participant s chart.
Where
- Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations