Expression of SLC25A48 in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

March 14, 2026 updated by: Ke-Yun, Chao, Fu Jen Catholic University

Association Between SLC25A48 Expression and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Progression

This study aims to investigate the expression level of SLC25A48, a mitochondrial choline transporter, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and to analyze its correlation with inflammatory markers and choline metabolic byproducts.

Study Overview

Status

Not yet recruiting

Detailed Description

Background:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the third leading cause of death worldwide, characterized by airflow limitation, alveolar damage, and chronic systemic inflammation. These features are closely associated with malnutrition, muscle loss, and oxidative stress. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a critical role in immune dysregulation, with peripheral blood mononuclear cells widely used in studies on inflammation and metabolism. Choline, essential for one-carbon metabolism and immune function, requires specific transporters to enter mitochondria. SLC25A48, a newly identified mitochondrial choline transporter, is linked to impaired choline uptake, elevated reactive oxygen species, and metabolic imbalance. However, its role in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remains unclear.

Study Design:

This multicenter, prospective observational study

Methods:

The expression of SLC25A48 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells will be quantified and analyzed in relation to inflammatory markers and choline metabolism indicators. All participants will undergo pulmonary function testing, nutritional and quality of life assessments, and blood biochemistry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells will be isolated using density gradient centrifugation, followed by protein extraction and quantification via Western blot and image-based analysis.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Estimated)

180

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

Study Locations

      • New Taipei City, Taiwan, 24352
        • Fu Jen Catholic University Hospital, Fu Jen Catholic University
        • Contact:
      • New Taipei City, Taiwan, 23148
        • Cardinal Tien Hospital
        • Contact:

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Sampling Method

Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

patient of hospital

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • pre-COPD or COPD stages I-IV as per the 2023 GOLD guidelines (case group)
  • healthy individuals without chronic diseases or major medical conditions

Exclusion Criteria:

  • diagnosed with neuromuscular diseases
  • experienced respiratory disease exacerbation requiring emergency care or hospitalization in the past three months
  • assessed by a physician to have severe malnutrition or a significantly low BMI
  • continuously taking folic acid supplements
  • willing to receive or have already received self-paid nutrition clinic services at this hospital

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
Case group
Pre-COPD or COPD stages I-IV as per the 2023 GOLD guidelines
Control group
healthy controls

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
expression of SLC25A48
Time Frame: one day
the expression level of SLC25A48 in mitochondria isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells
one day

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Ke-Yun Chao, PhD, Fu Jen Catholic University

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Estimated)

April 1, 2026

Primary Completion (Estimated)

December 31, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

December 31, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

March 11, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 11, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

March 16, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

March 17, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

March 14, 2026

Last Verified

March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

NO

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

No

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Clinical Trials on Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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