Identifying changes in
selected bio specimens, like skin tissue, serum and saliva, in people with
scleroderma can help us to better understand the processes that cause the
disease. Consequently, the CSRG is in the process of developing their biorepositories
for research purposes.
The group has been collecting
serum samples at baseline visit for all patients since the Registry began in
September 2004. The following year, in September 2005, the protocol was amended
to include serum collection at every visit. These samples are currently being studied
and stored in a laboratory in Calgary and are being used by CSRG researchers in
an attempt to learn more about serum changes in individuals with Systemic
Sclerosis (SSc); for example, the CSRG recently completed a study testing serum
albumin levels.
The following projects
have drawn on our serum repository to test hypotheses relating to Scleroderma:
Celeste Loewe
Dr.Stephan Van Eeden
In February 2008, the
CSRG began the process of further expanding its biorepositories by amending the
protocol to include collection of Buccal cells, Saliva, Skin, Blood and Urine
from both patients with scleroderma in our registry and people without the
disease (also known as Controls).
Drs. Murray Baron and Janet
Pope have begun collecting skin biopsies from both scleroderma patients and Controls.
These specimens are processed and securely stored at laboratories working
closely in conjunction with the CSRG Rheumatologists. Those CSRG members whose
projects have been reviewed and approved by the CSRG Basic Science Committee
and whose laboratories meet our strict safety standards, have access to these
specimens to perform cutting edge research in the field of SSc. The following researchers
are making use of these samples in an attempt to better understand this disease
at a cellular level:
| Nidaa Chokr | Dr. John Mort |
| Daniele DiCapua | Dr. Anie Philip |
| Yuen Yee Ho | Dr. Marc Servant |
| Dr. Andrew Leask | Dr. Mark Trifiro |
| Dr. Xiao-Yong Man |
