Human mononuclear cell responses to nanoparticles and ions
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Effect of nanoparticles and ions generated due to metal-on-metal hip replacement on human mononuclear cells: toxicology and immune response.
IRAS ID
131151
Contact name
Teresa Tetley
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London Clinical Research Office
Research summary
Metal-on-metal hip implants have been associated with increased implant failure rate and metal ion levels in blood. The wear debris found in tissue surrounding implants is in the form of nanoparticles, which are less than 100nm diameter (a hair is 700 times thicker). The high rate of implant failure and unexplained pain experienced by patients is believed to be associated with these nanoparticles. They are composed of cobalt and chromium, with cobalt being the main causative agent of the immune response. However, how nanoparticles and cobalt cause the immune response is still not fully understood. This study will investigate whether the reason for the immune response is altered HIF pathway: Hypoxia-inducible factor pathway. HIF is upregulated in hypoxic conditions (low oxygen) and therefore is implicated for example in tumour development. It is known that HIF acts as promotor of tumour growth and invasion. Also it is associated with inflammation, as in rheumatoid arthritis. Cobalt can activate HIF at normal oxygen tension, therefore it could possibly initiate the HIF pathway initiating the inflammation and tissue damage observed in this condition.
REC name
London - Fulham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1831
Date of REC Opinion
17 Jan 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion