Examining how sex and obesity affect blood vessel responses to low oxygen

Sex Disparities in Hypoxic Vasodilation and Impact of Obesity

EARLY_PHASE1 · University of Missouri-Columbia · NCT05219799

This study is testing how being male or female and having obesity affects how blood vessels respond to low oxygen levels, especially in people with sleep apnea, to find better treatments for heart-related issues.

Quick facts

PhaseEARLY_PHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment72 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 45 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Missouri-Columbia (other)
Locations1 site (Columbia, Missouri)
Trial IDNCT05219799 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project investigates the mechanisms behind sex differences in hypoxic vasodilation, particularly focusing on the role of the sympathetic nervous system and the impact of obesity. It aims to understand how women may respond differently to low oxygen levels compared to men, especially in the context of obesity, which is prevalent among patients with sleep apnea. By exploring these mechanisms, the study hopes to enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies and pave the way for new treatment options for cardiovascular diseases linked to sleep apnea.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals with a BMI greater than 18 kg/m2 who do not have sleep apnea or related conditions.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have significant cardiovascular or other systemic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for women with obesity-related cardiovascular issues.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on sex differences in cardiovascular responses exist, this specific focus on hypoxic vasodilation and obesity is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* BMI \>18 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy, breastfeeding
* Diagnosed sleep apnea or AHI \>10 events/hr
* Current smoking/Nicotine use
* Increased risk of bleeding, pro-coagulant disorders, clotting disorders, anticoagulation therapy
* Nerve/neurologic disease
* Cardiovascular, hepatic, renal, respiratory disease
* Blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg
* Diabetes, Polycystic ovarian syndrome
* Communication barriers
* Prescription medications, Sensitivity to lidocaine

Where this trial is running

Columbia, Missouri

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, Vasodilation, Healthy

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.