ACEs, SIRT1, and Premature Vascular Aging in Humans

Launched by NATHANIEL JENKINS · Jul 9, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how stressful experiences during childhood, called adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), might cause the blood vessels to age faster and work less well in young adults. The researchers are especially interested in a protein called SIRT1, which helps keep blood vessels healthy. They want to find out if people who had 4 or more ACEs have lower levels of SIRT1 and poorer blood vessel function compared to those with no ACEs. The study will also test if taking a supplement called nicotinamide riboside (NR), which can boost SIRT1 activity, helps improve blood vessel health in those with many ACEs.

To take part, you need to be between 18 and 30 years old and either have no ACEs or have experienced 4 or more ACEs. People with high blood pressure, certain diseases, recent major weight changes, or who use certain medications or substances won’t be eligible. Participants will undergo tests to measure blood vessel function and inflammation. Some will take the NR supplement for 4 weeks to see if it helps improve their blood vessels. This study could help us better understand how early life stress affects heart health and whether certain supplements might reduce those effects.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 18 - 30 years
• • ACE score of 0 OR ≥4 (Aim 1); ACE score ≥4 (Aim 2)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Resting arterial blood pressure \>140/90 mmHg
• • BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and/or weight unstable (\>2.27 kg change) last 6 month
• • Cardiovascular, metabolic, or pulmonary disease
• • Cardiovascular or metabolic prescription drug use
• • Vasoactive antidepressant drug use (SSRIs and clonidine)
• • Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
• • Heavy alcohol consumption (AUDIT screening)
• • Use of illicit drugs
• • Current tobacco use
• • Regular vigorous (\>6 MET s) aerobic exercise (\>4 bouts/week, \>30 min/bout)
• • Dietary supplementation with antioxidants or habitual use of NSAIDs