Haem and Nitrite Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Effects of free haemoglobin NO-blockade on Nitrite forearm vessel dilatation under normoxia and hypoxia in healthy volunteers
IRAS ID
206995
Contact name
Nicholas Gollop
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of East Anglia
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
Inorganic nitrate from vegetables such as beetroot and green leafy vegetables, forms nitrite within the saliva that is absorbed into the bloodstream via the stomach. Nitrite causes blood vessels to relax and this is thought to be via release of nitric oxide (NO) under low oxygen conditions (hypoxia). Nitrite also has an effect under normal oxygen conditions (normoxia), and we are seeking to investigate this, as it is not thought to be through nitric oxide release. We are looking to use free haem (released from blood infused through the vein) to block NO to show that nitrite's action under normoxia is different to that in hypoxia. Participants will donate blood via the National Health Service Blood Transfusion Service (NHSBT) to be stored for 30days as per their guidelines. The participant’s own blood will then be transfused 30-35days later to block NO prior to being given nitrite and undergoing plethysmography to assess forearm vessel dilatation. This will occur under either normoxia or hypoxia on the first visit, and then will occur under the other oxygen condition on the following visit.
REC name
East of England - Essex Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/EE/0202
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion