MedPath

Human IgGs and Endothelial Function in Vivo in Humans

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Interventions
Drug: Polyclonal IgG
Registration Number
NCT03534479
Lead Sponsor
Federico II University
Brief Summary

Endothelial dysfunction and insulin resistance play a key role in the onset and development of atherosclerosis, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Data in mice models have recently demonstrated that circulating immunoglobulins G (IgG) could be involved in the process. Patients with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID), who are characterized by low circulating levels of IgG, might represent an ideal model to clarify the role played in vivo in humans by circulating IgG. Polyclonal IgG, obtained from multiple donors, given intravenously (IVIgG), are used to treat various immunodeficiencies and autoimmune diseases, including CVID. By using this disease and its treatment by IVIgG as a model, aim of the current study is to clarify whether IgG affect endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in humans in vivo and whether the action of IgG on the endothelium involves a direct interaction with the endothelial cells.

Detailed Description

For this purposes, 24 patients with CVID, receiving the last therapeutic dose of IVIgG infusion 5-weeks before the baseline measurements (CVID-IVIgG group), are studied. In all subjects, endothelial function is evaluated as flow mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, measured by ultrasonographic technique at baseline and 1, 7, 14, and 21 days after IVIgG infusion. FMD is also measured in a group of IVIgG naive CVID patients (number of patients recruited depending on availability) and a group of control healthy subjects. The latter FMD measurements serve only as a mere reference of pathological or normal values in condition of deficiency or normal levels of circulating IgG and are not used for primary outcome evaluation. To dissect further the mechanisms of improved endothelial function after IVIgG infusion, we investigate the role of human IgG on the production of Nitric Oxide (NO) in vitro on Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells (HCAEC) isolated from normal human coronary arteries.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
24
Inclusion Criteria
  • Common Variable Immunodeficiency
Exclusion Criteria
  • Cancer, liver Cirrhosis, recent acute myocardial infarction, treatment with nitroderivates, Reynaud syndrome, heart failure

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
CVID-IVIgG, polyclonal IgG i.v. infusionPolyclonal IgGThe patients of the CVID-IVIgG, polyclonal IgG infusion, group are studied five weeks from their last therapeutic polyclonal IgG i.v. infusion (IVIgG). On the mornings of day 0, vascular reactivity of the brachial artery, assessed as Flow mediated dilation (FMD), is measured and blood collected for biochemistry (baseline). Immediately after the FMD measurements and the blood collection, the 24 patients receive half dose of IVIgG necessary to treat their disease (400 mg/kg body weight in 10% solution). Twenty-four hours later, before infusing the second half of the dose of the IVIgG, vascular reactivity is again measured and blood collected. Vascular reactivity is again measured 1, 2, and 3 weeks after the first IVIgG infusion.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in Endothelial Mediated Vascular Reactivity1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks or three weeks after polyclonal IgG infusion

Change in vascular reactivity measured by Flow Mediated Dilation of the brachial artery

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in insulin sensitivity1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks or three weeks after polyclonal IgG infusion

Change in insulin sensitivity measured as change in the Homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) index

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Federico II University Hospital

🇮🇹

Napoli, Italy

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath