We are conducting a research study on how psoriasis might be caused or worsened by high levels of the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin. We are seeking people with plaque psoriasis, ages 18-65, who are overweight or obese with a body mass index of 25-35. Participants will have blood drawn and small skin biopsies taken from psoriasis plaques and nearby…
The purpose of this study is to examine the causes and pathology of alopecia areata and other hair and skin disorders. Skin biopsies and blood and/or clinical information collected in the study will be used for research aiming at developing new options for the treatment of alopecia areata and other skin and hair disorders.
Genetic studies help us to understand why some people develop certain diseases while others don't and also provide important clues about how best to treat the disease.
We are inviting patients with active Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) to help us better understand how treatment options affect inflammation in soft tissues. With a combination of blood work, a full-body FDG PET-CT scan, questionnaires, and a soft tissue biopsy (from an area around the belly button), we hope to see how RA interacts with these multiple areas of…
This study is for patients with Glaucoma. The purpose of this study is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a study drug called Bimatoprost Sustained Release (SR) compared to treatment with eye drug Timolol. The Bimatoprost SR is an implant that is very small, is biodegradable (dissolves naturally in the body), and contains the bimatoprost drug.
The study aims to compare the effect two different RA treatments on cardiovascular health in patients who are considering a treatment change. The study is recruiting patients who are only taking methotrexate and are switching treatment due to a lack of improvement. The trial will randomize participants to take a TNF inhibitor (Enbrel or Humira) in addition…
Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. The most important test to detect progression is visual field testing. However, this test is very subjective, often unreliable, and variable. One of the main causes of unreliable tests is the lack of attentiveness or concentration during the test. Previous studies have shown that listening…
We are doing a research study to learn more about why people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are prone to heart disease. We are recruiting patients diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis without a personal history of heart disease. This study involves one initial full visit as described below, and a brief follow up visit that will take place approximately 2 or…
Glaucoma is a given name of a group of diseases that affect the retinal ganglion cells in the eye and the optic nerve. Glaucoma cause degeneration of the retinal ganglion cells in the retina and their projections (axons) that form the optic nerve. Retinal ganglion cells and their axons transmit all of our vision information from the eye to the brain through…