Examining the effects of vitamin C on sympathetic nerve activity in obese individuals
Concomitantly Higher Resting Arterial Blood Pressure and Transduction of Sympathetic Neural Activity in Human Obesity Without Hypertension
This study is testing whether vitamin C can help reduce nerve activity related to blood pressure in people who are obese and have insulin resistance.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Kansas Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Kansas City, Kansas) |
| Trial ID | NCT06626113 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the relationship between muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and vascular sensitivity in individuals with obesity and insulin resistance. Participants will be randomized to receive either ascorbic acid or a placebo in a double-blind manner over three laboratory visits. The study aims to quantify how oxidative stress influences sympathetic-vascular transduction (SVT) and its potential exaggeration in obesity. By measuring blood pressure responses to MSNA bursts, the research seeks to understand the underlying mechanisms contributing to hypertension in obese individuals.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are middle-aged individuals aged 35-65 with obesity and elevated insulin resistance.
Not a fit: Patients currently on antihypertensive medications or with a history of heart or vascular disease may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing obesity-related hypertension.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of sympathetic-vascular transduction in this context is novel, related studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of oxidative stress in obesity.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: 1. Obese: BMI \>25 m/kg2 2. Elevated insulin resistance: HOMA-IR \> 2.5 (calculation based on fasting glucose and insulin concentrations in blood) 3. Middle-aged: 35-65 years 4. Participants must be willing and able to discontinue taking any vitamin C or E supplements or omega-3 fatty acids beginning 2 weeks prior. 5. Able and willing to provide written informed consent Exclusion criteria: 1. Currently taking a statin or antihypertension medication 2. Hyperlipidemia: Fasting triglycerides \< 250 mg/dL 3. Hypertension: \>130/80 mmHg 4. History of heart disease (e.g., myocardial infarction, stent) 5. History of vascular disease (e.g., bypass, stroke) 6. Individuals with narrow angle glaucoma \-
Where this trial is running
Kansas City, Kansas
- University of Kansas Medical Center — Kansas City, Kansas, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Seth Holwerda
- Email: sethholwerda@gmail.com
- Phone: 9729223230
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.