Enhancing exercise response in older adults using phytonutrients

Treatment Strategy to Enhance Nrf2 Signaling in Older Adults: Combining Acute Exercise With the Phytochemical Sulforaphane

This study is testing if adding a compound from vegetables to exercise can help older adults get more benefits from their workouts.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 30 (estimated)
• Ages: 60 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Northern Arizona University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Flagstaff, Arizona)
• Trial ID: NCT04848792 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates whether combining exercise with sulforaphane, a phytonutrient found in cruciferous vegetables, can improve the exercise response in older adults. The research focuses on the role of Nrf2, a master regulator of antioxidant defenses, which is less responsive in older individuals. By amplifying the Nrf2 signaling pathway through sulforaphane, the study aims to restore redox balance and enhance the benefits of exercise in this population. Participants will be assessed for their response to the intervention using both in vivo and ex vivo approaches.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are men and women aged 60 years and older who have a maximal oxygen consumption below the 60th percentile for their gender.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic illnesses, significant obesity, or those on certain medications that affect outcomes may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the health and quality of life for older adults by enhancing their exercise capacity and reducing the risk of age-related diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific combination of sulforaphane and exercise in older adults is novel, previous studies have shown success in enhancing Nrf2 signaling through various interventions.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Men and women, 60 years and older
* Competent to independently give informed consent
* Successful completion of screening
* Maximal oxygen consumption below the 60th percentile based on gender:
* Women: ≤ 21.2 mL/kg/min
* Men: ≤ 30.5 mL/kg/min

Exclusion Criteria:

* Estrogen supplementation (in any form) within the previous 6 months
* Any medication that could affect outcome measures such as statins, blood pressure medications, or anti-depressives
* Use of anti-oxidant supplements, in excess of standard multi-vitamins (1 tablet/day) and/or any supplements known to target Nrf2 including resveratrol, Protandim, and sulforaphane
* Current smoker
* Body Mass Index (BMI) greater than 33 kg/m2 (Class I Obesity)
* Any chronic illness that could affect outcome measures, including diabetes, liver or renal disease, or cancer (other than skin cancer)
* History of a myocardial infarction within the last 6 months, clinically significant aortic stenosis, use of cardiac defibrillator, or uncontrolled angina
* Clinically significant arrhythmia on a resting EKG or significant EKG changes during the baseline VO2 max test
* Any other condition that would contraindicate maximal exercise testing, including elevated blood pressure at rest (systolic BP \>150 or diastolic BP \>90 mm Hg on at least 2 measurements, at least 10 minutes apart) or musculoskeletal problems

Where this trial is running

Flagstaff, Arizona

• Northern Arizona University — Flagstaff, Arizona, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Tinna Traustadóttir, PhD

Conditions: Aging Problems, Redox, Sulforaphane, Nrf2, Exercise