RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

AYLo - AutoimmunitY and Loss of y

The 'AYLo' study is exploring a specific genetic change in men called 'loss of the Y chromosome' (mLOY) and how it might affect various autoimmune conditions like different types of arthritis, vasculitis, and certain lung diseases. Researchers believe this change could play a role in how your immune system behaves and lead to these conditions. By studying `Y` chromosome changes, alongside detailed immune system testing, the team hopes to find new ways to understand why these diseases start, how they get worse, and potentially develop more personalised treatments. This could help doctors better predict disease outcomes and offer more tailored care for affected men.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Bonn

Enrolment target

500

Start

15 Nov 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR)ANCA Associated Vasculitis (AAV)Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies IgG4-Related Diseases Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)Connective Tissue Disease Sarcoidosis Interstitial Lung Disease Due to Systemic Disease (Disorder)Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)Asthma Bronchiale COPD

What is this study about?

The AYLo study, short for `Autoimmunity and Loss of Y`, is looking into a fascinating area of health relating to men. Specifically, researchers are investigating a genetic change where some cells in a man's body lose their `Y` chromosome. This `Y` chromosome is what makes someone male, and losing it in some cells (called 'mosaic loss') is more common as men get older. The study wants to understand if this `Y` chromosome loss, and other similar genetic changes, could be a missing piece in the puzzle of why men develop certain long-term conditions, especially those where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body.

The main goal is to figure out how these genetic changes might influence someone's immune system, affecting how their body responds to illness and inflammation. Researchers will use advanced tests to look at genes and immune cells in blood samples. By combining this information with what they already know about these conditions, they hope to create a clearer picture of how these changes relate to diseases like specific types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), conditions affecting blood vessels (vasculitis), and chronic lung diseases.

Ultimately, the study aims to answer some big questions: Could these `Y` chromosome changes act as early warning signs for these conditions? Could they help doctors understand how severe a disease might become? And most importantly, could understanding these changes lead to new, more targeted treatments? The hope is that by learning more about these genetic links, doctors could offer more personalised care and improve the lives of men living with these long-term conditions.

Key takeaways

This study focuses on men, aged 50 and over.
It investigates the link between 'Y' chromosome changes and autoimmune diseases.
The goal is to understand disease causes and potentially find new treatments.
Participation involves providing blood samples and health information.
No new medications or treatments are given as part of the study.
Your contribution could help advance medical knowledge for future patients.

Who may be eligible?

This study is specifically for men aged 50 and over. To take part, you must have been diagnosed by your doctor with certain conditions like various forms of arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis), different types of vasculitis (conditions affecting blood vessels), or specific lung diseases such as COPD or interstitial lung disease.

We also need healthy men, aged 50 and over, to join as a comparison group. These healthy volunteers should not have an autoimmune or rheumatic disease, and should not have pre-existing lung conditions.

Unfortunately, women and men under 50 years old are not able to join this particular study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am a man.
I am 50 years old or older.
I have been diagnosed by a doctor with one of the listed conditions (e.g., specific arthritis, vasculitis, or lung disease).
Alternatively, I am a healthy man aged 50 or older, without these conditions or existing lung problems (for the healthy control group).

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the research team will explain exactly what's involved. It will involve providing blood samples for detailed tests. These tests will help them look at your genes, immune cells, and other markers related to your immune system. You may also be asked to complete questionnaires about your health and medical history, and if relevant, information from your medical records might be collected by the research team. The specific number of visits and the total length of your involvement will be discussed thoroughly by the study team, as it may vary depending on which part of the study you are involved in. The study does not involve taking any new medications.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in a study like this helps researchers learn more about long-term conditions and potentially find new ways to improve diagnosis and treatment for others in the future. While there's no direct benefit to your own health from participating, you'll be contributing to important medical knowledge. Most procedures, like blood tests, carry very minor risks such as bruising or discomfort at the needle site. All your information will be kept strictly private. Remember, your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your care.

Locations (1)

Department of Rheumatology
Verified postcode
Bonn, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the 'Y' chromosome?

The 'Y' chromosome is one of the two sex chromosomes in humans. Men usually have one X and one Y chromosome, while women usually have two X chromosomes. It contains genes that determine male characteristics.

What does 'mosaic loss of Y chromosome' mean?

This means that some cells in a man's body have lost their 'Y' chromosome, while other cells still have it. It's not something you're born with but can happen naturally as men get older.

Will I receive any treatment as part of this study?

No, this study is about understanding how certain genetic changes relate to existing conditions. It does not involve trying out new treatments or medications.

Will this study tell me if I have a particular condition?

No, you must already have received a diagnosis from your doctor to be considered for this study as a patient. The study is about understanding the link between genetic changes and already diagnosed conditions.

What conditions are being studied?

The study is looking at various conditions, including different types of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis), conditions affecting blood vessels (like Giant Cell Arteritis), and certain chronic lung conditions like COPD and Interstitial Lung Disease.

How to find out more

Simon Michael Petzinna, MD

simon_michael.petzinna@ukbonn.de 0049 151 382 337 07 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.