How childhood adversity and SIRT1 affect early blood vessel aging.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Premature Vascular Aging in Humans: The Role of SIRT1
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 30 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Iowa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Iowa City, Iowa) |
| Trial ID | NCT07073352 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Iowa City, Iowa
- Integrative Laboratory of Applied Physiology and Lifestyle Medicine — Iowa City, Iowa, United States (Recruiting)
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.