Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 50

Examining DNA Methylation's Role in Obesity and Vascular Health

Official title: DNA Methylation and Vascular Function in Obesity: Role of Exercise and Weight Loss

Run by University of Illinois Chicago · NCT03527420 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if changes in DNA related to obesity can lead to heart problems and whether exercise can help improve these issues for people who are overweight.

More Obesity trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Illinois Chicago
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 11, 2019
Main results expectedJune 30, 2026
Study endsAugust 31, 2026
Registry record updatedSeptember 15, 2025
Trial IDNCT03527420 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are obese adults aged 18-50 with a BMI of 35 kg/m2 or higher who are approved for bariatric surgery.

Probably not a fit

Patients with current inflammatory diseases, cancer, or other significant health issues may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates how DNA hypomethylation contributes to inflammation and vascular dysfunction in obese individuals, aiming to identify nonpharmacological interventions like aerobic exercise to mitigate these effects. It focuses on the relationship between obesity, epigenetic changes, and cardiovascular health, particularly how lifestyle factors can influence gene expression related to inflammation. By analyzing DNA from fat tissues, the study seeks to establish a link between hypomethylation and increased adipocytokine production, which may lead to vascular issues. The ultimate goal is to develop effective strategies for preventing obesity-related cardiovascular diseases.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new lifestyle-based interventions that improve vascular health in obese patients.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results in using lifestyle interventions to address obesity-related health issues, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2
* Between ages 18-50 years
* Not pregnant
* Approved for a bariatric surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* To avoid confounding from other inflammatory conditions individuals with current cancer, heart, kidney or liver disease, gallbladder disease or acute or chronic inflammatory diseases (including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and other autoimmune diseases and genetic diseases) will be excluded
* Pregnant women will be excluded, as they will not be eligible for bariatric surgery
* Current smokers
* Currently abusing alcohol or drugs

Where it's running

  • University of Illinois at Chicago
    Chicago, Illinois, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Abeer Mohamed, MD, PhD — University of Illinois Chicago
  • Study coordinator: Abeer Mohamed, MD, PhD
  • Email: amahmo4@uic.edu
  • Phone: 3127539998

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.