Transduction of Sympathetic Neural Activity in Human Obesity Without Hypertension

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER · Oct 1, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how the body's nerves that control blood vessels work in people with obesity and insulin resistance, especially those who do not have high blood pressure. Researchers want to find out if a certain process, known as sympathetic-vascular transduction (SVT), is heightened in these individuals and if it can be reduced by lowering oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress is basically an imbalance that can cause problems in the body, which can be safely decreased by giving vitamin C through an IV. The goal is to see if this treatment can help lower the risk of having high blood pressure and heart disease in people struggling with obesity.

To be eligible for the trial, participants should be adults aged 35 to 65 who are considered obese (with a body mass index over 25) and have elevated insulin resistance. They should also be willing to stop taking certain vitamin supplements for two weeks before the study. However, individuals currently taking medications for high cholesterol or blood pressure, those with a history of heart or vascular disease, and those with certain health conditions will not be able to participate. If selected, participants can expect to receive either the vitamin C treatment or a placebo (a harmless saline solution) during the study, and their health will be monitored throughout the trial.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion criteria:
• • 1. Obese: BMI \>25 m/kg2
• • 2. Elevated insulin resistance: HOMA-IR \> 2.5 (calculation based on fasting glucose and insulin concentrations in blood)
• • 3. Middle-aged: 35-65 years
• • 4. Participants must be willing and able to discontinue taking any vitamin C or E supplements or omega-3 fatty acids beginning 2 weeks prior.
• • 5. Able and willing to provide written informed consent
• Exclusion criteria:
• • 1. Currently taking a statin or antihypertension medication
• • 2. Hyperlipidemia: Fasting triglycerides \< 250 mg/dL
• • 3. Hypertension: \>130/80 mmHg
• • 4. History of heart disease (e.g., myocardial infarction, stent)
• • 5. History of vascular disease (e.g., bypass, stroke)
• • 6. Individuals with narrow angle glaucoma
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