MicroRNA Regulation of Chronic Inflammation During Aging

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · May 24, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "MicroRNA Regulation of Chronic Inflammation During Aging," is looking into how inflammation affects our health as we grow older. Researchers want to study healthy individuals aged 18-35 and those aged 65 and older to understand how immune cells in the blood contribute to inflammation. This knowledge could help in developing better treatments to reduce inflammation and improve health in older adults.

To participate in this study, you need to be between 18-35 years old or 65 years and older, have a body mass index (BMI) of less than 30, and be in good general health. Participants will go through a screening visit and then a second visit where they'll have tests that include a blood draw, an oral glucose test (to check how your body handles sugar), and some exercises to assess leg strength. The study aims to enroll 40 participants and will take place over one month. Please note that individuals with certain health conditions, like heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure, are not eligible to participate.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Age between 18 - 35y; 65y and older
• • 2. BMI: \<30 kg/m2
• • 3. Ability to sign informed consent
• • 4. For older participant group: Clinical Frailty Scale score \< 3 and Mini-Cog score \> 3
• • 5. Good general medical health, ambulatory and in independent living setting
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., CHF, CAD, MI, CVA)
• • History of endocrine or metabolic disease such as hypo/hyperthyroidism and diabetes (Treated hypo/hyperthyroid for at least 6 months will be permitted)
• • History of kidney disease or failure (CKD \> stage 4)
• • History of vascular disease
• • Uncontrolled hypertension - Elevated systolic pressure \>150 or a diastolic blood pressure \> 100
• • Cancer or history of successfully treated cancer (less than 1 year) other than basal cell carcinoma
• • Chronic systemic corticosteroid use (≥ 2 weeks) within 4 weeks of enrollment and for study duration (intra-articular/topical/inhaled therapeutic or physiologic doses of corticosteroids will be permitted)
• • Chronic anti-inflammatory medication use (≥ 2 weeks) within 4 weeks of enrollment
• • Chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's, fibromyalgia, lupus, colitis) HIV, Hepatitis B and C
• • History of stroke with motor disability
• • A recent history (\<12 months) of GI bleed
• • History of liver disease or AST/ALT 2 times above the normal limit
• • History of respiratory disease (acute upper respiratory infection, history of chronic lung disease)
• • Current smokers or current tobacco use
• • Current pregnancy as determined by positive pregnancy test
• • Any staff members who report directly to the principal investigators.