Finding studies
Finding studies
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Lead
Johns Hopkins University
The genetic mutations found in Paget's disease currently only account for about 15% of cases and are limited to genes that affect osteoclast differentiation and function. These mutations alone are insufficient to explain the full phenotype, particularly hypervascularity and increased bone formation. Through a series of basic science studies, the investigators have recently found that preosteoclasts secrete chemokines to promote migration of various stem cells, which then differentiate into osteoblasts and endothelial cells to support osteogenesis and angiogenesis, respectively. The investigators will perform a cross sectional study of patients with active Paget's disease of bone compared to similar people without Paget's disease of bone. The goal is to enroll 10 patients with Paget's disease of the bone (cases) and 10 healthy, age- and sex-matched people (controls) whom meet similar exclusion criteria. Participants who consent to the study will undergo a brief history and physical exam, allow review of medical records relevant to their disease, and have one blood (5 tablespoons) sample drawn. The investigators hypothesize that specific chemokine concentrations are increased in people with Paget's disease of the bone compared to controls. The investigators also hypothesize that these levels correlate with severity of disease. Therefore, the investigators primary objective is to determine if serum chemokine levels are increased in patients with Paget's disease of the bone. The secondary objective is to evaluate if the serum chemokine concentrations correlate with various markers of disease activity. Findings could aid in the clinical monitoring of patients with Paget's disease of the bone and could provide an additional therapeutic target to improve treatment of this painful disease.
Age
18–99
Sex
ALL
Healthy volunteers
Accepted
