Effects of MitoQ on skin blood flow during cold exposure
The Influence of Race and MitoQ Supplementation on Skin Perfusion in the Cold
This study tests if taking MitoQ can help improve skin blood flow and temperature during cold exposure in healthy young adults, especially focusing on Black individuals who might be more at risk for cold injuries.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Natick, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT06784531 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research investigates how MitoQ, an antioxidant supplement, influences skin blood flow and temperature during cold exposure, particularly focusing on differences between racial groups. Healthy volunteers aged 18-40 will participate in a randomized, double-blinded, crossover design, where they will undergo cold exposure tests after taking either MitoQ or a placebo. The study aims to determine if MitoQ can mitigate the decline in skin blood flow and temperature, especially in Black individuals who may be at higher risk for cold injuries.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy males and females aged 18-40 who are willing to adhere to dietary restrictions prior to testing.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of cold injuries or conditions like Raynaud's syndrome will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved protective strategies against cold injuries for individuals, particularly in the Black population.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of MitoQ and cold exposure is novel, previous studies have shown that antioxidants can improve blood flow and reduce oxidative stress.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female, age 18-40 * In good health as determined by OMSO (Office of Medical Support and Oversight) * Willing to refrain from exercise and caffeinated or alcoholic beverages for 12 hours before each testing session * Willing to refrain from antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries, pecans, and dark chocolate, 48 h before each testing session * Eumenorrheic females (menstrual cycle length between 24-35 days) or females taking oral contraceptives, or utilizing implantable contraception (e.g., intrauterine device) * Have supervisor approval if active-duty military or a federal employee at NSSC Exclusion Criteria: * History of cold injuries of any severity (e.g., frostbite, trench foot, chilblains) * Raynaud's syndrome * Cold-induced asthma/bronchospasm * Previous hand/finger injuries that impair dexterity and hand function * Metal hardware (plates/screws) in the forearms and hands * Smoke, vape, or use smokeless tobacco or other nicotine-containing products habitually (unless have quit \> 4 months prior) * Current use of medications (except for birth control) or dietary supplements that could alter cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, or vascular control (e.g., anti-hypertensives, statins) * History of disease of the gastrointestinal tract including (but not limited to) diverticulosis, diverticulitis and inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis; or previous gastrointestinal surgery * Have a history of renal disease including (but not limited to) chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, kidney stone disease, glomerular disease, or nephritis * Known allergies to medical adhesives * Known allergy to MitoQ * Difficulty swallowing pills * Heart, lung, kidney, muscle, or nerve disorder(s) * A planned MRI during the study or within 3 days after completing a cold test * Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding * Not willing to have small areas of skin on the body shaved (if deemed necessary for attachment of study instrumentation) * Have donated blood within 8 weeks of the study or plan to donate blood during the study * Lesions on a significant portion of the upper extremities due to skin pigmentation disorders (e.g., vitiligo, psoriasis)
Where this trial is running
Natick, Massachusetts
- U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine — Natick, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Billie Alba, Ph.D.
- Email: billie.k.alba.civ@health.mil
- Phone: 508-206-2171
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.