How childhood adversity and SIRT1 affect early blood vessel aging.
Official title: Adverse Childhood Experiences and Premature Vascular Aging in Humans: The Role of SIRT1
Run by University of Wisconsin, Madison · NCT07073352 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether taking nicotinamide riboside can boost SIRT1 and improve blood vessel function in 18–30-year-olds with high levels of childhood adversity compared with those with no ACEs.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Iowa City, Iowa and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 27, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07073352 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are 18–30-year-old adults with either zero ACEs or four or more ACEs who are generally healthy (no cardiovascular/metabolic/pulmonary disease), not pregnant or breastfeeding, and not using tobacco, illicit drugs, or specified medications.
✕Probably not a fit
People with existing cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, BMI ≥30, current tobacco use, heavy alcohol or drug use, pregnancy, or use of excluded medications or supplements are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Researchers will recruit healthy 18–30-year-olds with either zero adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) or four or more ACEs and measure vascular endothelial function and vascular SIRT1 expression and activity. Baseline comparisons will determine whether ACE exposure is linked to reduced SIRT1 and premature vascular aging. In a treatment component, participants will receive nicotinamide riboside or placebo to see if raising NAD+ and SIRT1 activity improves endothelial function. The project is a proof-of-concept effort to link molecular changes in SIRT1 to functional blood vessel measures in young adults with prior ACEs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could identify a tolerable supplement strategy to restore SIRT1 activity and improve early vascular health in young adults exposed to high levels of childhood adversity.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work and small human studies of NAD+ precursors like nicotinamide riboside show promising effects on NAD+ and SIRT1-related pathways, but applying this approach to ACE-related premature vascular aging is largely novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 - 30 years * ACE score of 0 OR ≥4 (Aim 1); ACE score ≥4 (Aim 2) Exclusion Criteria: * Resting arterial blood pressure \>140/90 mmHg * BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and/or weight unstable (\>2.27 kg change) last 6 month * Cardiovascular, metabolic, or pulmonary disease * Cardiovascular or metabolic prescription drug use * Vasoactive antidepressant drug use (SSRIs and clonidine) * Currently pregnant or breastfeeding * Heavy alcohol consumption (AUDIT screening) * Use of illicit drugs * Current tobacco use * Regular vigorous (\>6 MET s) aerobic exercise (\>4 bouts/week, \>30 min/bout) * Dietary supplementation with antioxidants or habitual use of NSAIDs
Where it's running
-
Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting -
Integrative Laboratory of Applied Physiology and Lifestyle Medicine
Iowa City, Iowa, United States Completed
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nathaniel Jenkins, PhD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Study coordinator: Kylee West
- Email: kwest8@wisc.edu
- Phone: 603-923-1657
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.