Exercise effects on carotid artery function in young adults with metabolic syndrome
Identifying Sex-specific Carotid Endothelial Dysfunction in Young Adults With Metabolic Syndrome
University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT07430839
This study will test if a single 30-minute bout of moderate exercise can quickly improve internal carotid artery endothelial function in young adults with metabolic syndrome and whether effects differ by sex.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT07430839 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The study enrolls 48 young adults with and without metabolic syndrome who will complete four visits totaling about 5.5 hours. Investigators will measure internal carotid artery endothelial function using an inhaled CO2 gas stressor to acutely raise shear rate and record vascular responsiveness before and after a 30-minute bout of moderate-intensity cycling. The aims are to determine whether carotid endothelial dysfunction is present in young adults with metabolic syndrome, whether there are sex-specific differences, and whether a single exercise session acutely restores function. The protocol is observational and focuses on short-term vascular responses rather than long-term clinical outcomes.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-smoking young adults who meet metabolic syndrome criteria (waist circumference, triglycerides, HDL, blood pressure, fasting glucose) or age-matched healthy controls and who have no major cardiovascular, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, or neurologic disease.
Not a fit: People with type II diabetes, current smokers, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, those with major comorbidities listed in the exclusion criteria, or anyone unable to exercise safely (for example due to a current musculoskeletal injury) are unlikely to benefit or qualify.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could show that one moderate exercise session rapidly improves carotid artery endothelial function in young adults with metabolic syndrome, supporting exercise as a simple strategy to lower early cardiovascular risk.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows exercise can improve endothelial function in other vascular beds and populations, but using an inhaled CO2 shear-stressor to test carotid endothelial responsiveness in young adults with metabolic syndrome is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria (MetSyn cohort): * Waist circumference greater than 102 cm (males) or 82 cm (females) * Triglycerides over 150 mg/dL * HDL cholesterol less than 40 mg/dL (males) or 50 mg/dL (females) * Blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg * Fasting plasma glucose over 110 mg/dL Inclusion Criteria (Healthy cohort): \- meet age criteria Exclusion Criteria: * Current smoker, defined as more than 5 cigarettes over past 30 days * Current diagnosis or history of: * peripheral vascular disease * hepatic disease * renal disease * lung disease * gastrointestinal disorders/bleeding * hematologic disease * stroke * myocardial infarction * coronary heart disease * congestive heart failure * heart surgery * sleep apnea * autoimmune diseases * traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke, or seizures * Asthma * Polycystic ovarian syndrome * Type II diabetes * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding * Current musculoskeletal injury Medication use known to influence cardiovascular function, other than oral contraceptives * Hormonal contraceptive use, such as intrauterine device or hormonal implant use * Participants with ICAs unsuitable for imaging, as assessed during the screening visit via doppler ultrasonography Exclusion Criteria (healthy controls only): * BMI greater than 25 kg/m2 * Blood pressure over 125/80 mmHg * Meeting any MetSyn criteria listed for MetSyn cohort
Where this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin — Madison, Wisconsin, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: William Schrage, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Shawn Bolin, MS
- Email: sbolin@wisc.edu
- Phone: 608-263-6308
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.
Conditions: Metabolic Syndrome, exercise