Molecular and Morphologic Characterization of Circulating Endothelial Cells

Endothelial injury and inflammation are pivotal underlying processes that put patients at
risk for catastrophic vascular events including acute myocardial infarction (heart attack)
and stroke. We seek to accelerate scientific discovery through clinically meaningful,
innovative translational research, and are collaborating in a trans-disciplinary effort to
define the DNA sequence of CECs and that of germ line DNA, along with RNA sequencing, mRNA
expression profiling, and ultrastructural characterization of CECs in order to better
understand the mechanisms leading to acute arterial plaque rupture and embolization of
arterial endothelial cells in patients with acute myocardial infarction. This will enable us
to create a molecular fingerprint that could identify and preempt individuals from suffering
from such debilitating vascular conditions.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 - 80 years old.

2. Must be reliable, cooperative and willing to comply with all protocol-specified
procedures if consented.

3. Able to understand and grant informed consent

4. Subjects must meet one of the following (a-c):

1. Healthy control subjects not meeting any exclusion criteria for controls below

2. Patients scheduled for an open vascular procedure of an arterial structure

3. Patients with acute MI defined as:

i. Clinical history and symptoms consistent with acute MI AND ii Elevated cardiac
markers (CKMB, Troponin I or T) consistent with MI (abnormals are according to
enrolling institution's lab standards) AND iii. Able to complete study enrollment
(consent & blood draw) within 48 hours of presentation to the study site.

Exclusion Criteria:

General Exclusion Criteria:

1. Has a significant medical condition that in the investigator's opinion may interfere
with the patient's optimal participation in the study.

Exclusion for Healthy Controls:

1. Age greater than 35

2. Previous history of coronary artery disease or MI

3. Diabetes

4. Peripheral arterial disease

5. Hypertension (>140/90 or on blood pressure medication)

6. Sickle cell disease

7. Acute or Chronic kidney disease

8. Acute or Chronic vascular conditions, not otherwise specified

9. Active or history of inflammation of connective tissue and vascular structures (i.e.
vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis)