Testosterone Deficiency and Endothelial Dysfunction After Spinal Cord Injury (NCT07227740)
Testosterone Deficiency and Endothelial Dysfunction in Spinal Cord Injury Related Cardiovascular Disease Mechanistic Insights and Therapeutic Prospects
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Heart attacks and strokes are among the most common causes of premature death in individuals living with spinal cord injury (SCI) and appear to occur earlier in life. The factors that lead to the heighten and accelerated risk of heart attacks and strokes in adults living with SCI remain poorly understood. The investigators aim to uncover why this happens and find ways to prevent it. Our research focuses on how important cells which line blood vessels, called endothelial cells, function after SCI. The investigators test endothelial function in live conscious people with SCI. The investigators also study signaling molecules endothelial cells release called endothelial cell derived microvesicles (EMVs), which the investigators can measure in blood to tell us the health of endothelial cells. By using these rigorous tests of vascular function, the investigators have determined that endothelial cells appear dysfunctional after SCI. The investigators also know that many men with SCI have low testosterone levels. Our team has studied testosterone's effects on endothelial dysfunction and believe low testosterone may be contributing to endothelial dysfunction after SCI. By understanding these mechanisms, the investigators hope to improve the lives of those living with SCI and reduce their risk for heart attacks and strokes. The investigators propose to study the influence of testosterone on endothelial function by using state-of-the-art clinical and laboratory experiments to assess endothelial function in men with SCI with low and normal testosterone levels.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Craig Hospital — Englewood, Colorado
Age range: 18 Years to 89 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Intra-arterial Infusion of Vasoactive Agents (DIAGNOSTIC_TEST)
- Intra-arterial Vitamin C Infusion (DIAGNOSTIC_TEST)
- Blood Sampling (DIAGNOSTIC_TEST)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Craig Hospital — Englewood, Colorado
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (720) 345-4640
Email: Gmadera@craighospital.org
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Spinal Cord Injuries
- Use of Point-of-care Neuro-sacral Electrophysiology Following Spinal Cord Injury — Montreal, Quebec
- Wearable Electrical Stimulation on the Back to Modulate Spinal Cord Activity — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- SCIVAX: Biomarkers of Immune Dysfunction and Vaccine Responsiveness in Chronic SCI — Manhasset, New York
- Autologous Adipose Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Spinal Cord Injury Patients — Rochester, Minnesota
- Standing, Stepping and Voluntary Movement Spinal Cord Epidural Stimulation — Louisville, Kentucky
- Acute Intermittent Hypoxia on Leg Function Following Spinal Cord Injury — Cambridge, Massachusetts
Explore by condition: All Spinal Cord Injuries clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.