NCT00747851 · University of Utah
NETs: Protection or Harm in Neonatal Inflammation or Infection
What this study is about
This is a forward-looking in vitro cell biology study of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) protein synthesis in response to PAF. PMNs from cord blood of premature human infants at risk for NEC (birth weight between 501 - 1500 grams) and PMNs from cord blood of healthy term infants will be isolated and stimulated with PAF, a biologically active phospholipid implicated in the pathogenesis of NEC.
View original scientific description
This is a prospective in vitro cell biology study of polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) protein synthesis in response to PAF. PMNs from cord blood of premature human infants at risk for NEC (birth weight between 501 - 1500 grams) and PMNs from cord blood of healthy term infants will be isolated and stimulated with PAF, a biologically active phospholipid implicated in the pathogenesis of NEC. NEC, a disease of prematurity with an incidence of 10.1% of infants born weighing between 501 - 1500 grams, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We will compare the protein synthesis of inflammatory modulators, including Interleukin 6 Receptor alpha (IL-6R alpha) and Retinoic Acid Receptor alpha (RAR alpha) proteins to protein synthesis responses already observed in PMNs isolated from healthy adults. Furthermore, we will characterize the expression and activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) translational protein synthesis control pathway in PMNs isolated from preterm and term infants and compare those results with previous observations in PMNs isolated from adults. This pathway is known to regulate IL-6R alpha and RAR alpha protein expression in PMNs isolated from adults. We will also follow those premature infants at risk for NEC clinically to determine which infants develop NEC and what risk factors may be associated with NEC in this population.
Primary outcome measures
The incidence and survival of premature infants with NEC, defined prospectively as disease meeting criteria for Bell's classification category IIA or greater [See Table 1] as applied by the subject's attending physician.
Time frame: 2 years
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
- Patients hospitalized in the NICU who were less than or equal to 1500 grams or less than 30 weeks gestational age at birth; Term infants delivered at UUMC without complication, either via cesarean section or vaginal delivery; Cord blood isolated within first hour of life; and parents or guardians must have signed informed consent.
Exclusion criteria
- Infants with major congenital anomalies will be excluded.
Where
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Collaborators
Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)
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Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Dec 5, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations