Examining DNA Methylation's Role in Obesity and Vascular Health

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

NA · University of Illinois at Chicago · NCT03527420

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.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago (other)
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT03527420 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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

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

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Obesity, Vascular Dysfunction, DNA methylation, Exercise, Weight loss, Bariatric, Macrovascular, Microvascular

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.