N-acetylcysteine plus high-intensity interval training for improving redox balance in adults with overweight or obesity
Official title: Effects of N-acetylcysteine on Biological Responses to High-intensity Interval Training in Adults With Overweight/Obesity
Run by University of Thessaly · NCT07196852 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether taking N-acetylcysteine pills while doing 12 weeks of high-intensity interval training improves antioxidant balance and metabolic measures in 35–45-year-olds with overweight or obesity.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 30 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Thessaly Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Trikala, Karies) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 22, 2025 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | December 16, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07196852 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 35–45 with BMI 25–35 kg/m2 who are generally healthy (no chronic diseases), non-smokers, not taking medications or dietary supplements, and able to attend in-person exercise sessions.
✕Probably not a fit
People with chronic diseases, those taking medications or supplements (including blood thinners or angina drugs), smokers, those outside the age or BMI range, or individuals with NAC intolerance 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
Forty adults aged 35–45 with BMI 25–35 kg/m2 will be randomly assigned to receive either 1,200 mg/day N‑acetylcysteine or placebo while participating in three multicomponent high‑intensity interval training sessions per week for 12 weeks. Participants will be assessed at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks for body weight and composition (DXA), liver fat (high-resolution ultrasound), cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), muscle strength, habitual activity (accelerometry), diet, and a detailed panel of blood redox and inflammatory markers (including GSH, GSSG, GPx, GR, SOD, CAT, MDA, and TNF-α). The trial tests whether NAC supplementation alters training-induced changes in antioxidant defenses, inflammation, body composition, and metabolic indicators compared with placebo. All participants must be free of chronic non-communicable diseases, not using medications or supplements, non-smokers, and able to attend supervised exercise sessions at the study site.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, combining NAC with exercise could improve antioxidant defenses and lower inflammation, potentially helping body composition, fitness, and metabolic risk in people with overweight or obesity.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show NAC can restore glutathione and reduce oxidative stress but have produced mixed results on whether it improves or blunts exercise-induced adaptations.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI 25-35 kg/m2 * Free of musculoskeletal injuries * Free of chronic non-communicable diseases * Do not receive any drug therapy * Do not receive dietary supplements * Normal menstrual cycle (for females) * Non smokers Exclusion Criteria: * NAC intolerance * Bleeding disorders * Kidney disease * Asthma * Usage of blood thinners and/or angina medication
Where it's running
-
Department of Physical Education and Sport Science, University of Thessaly
Trikala, Karies, Greece Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anastasia Rosvoglou, PhDc — University of Thessaly, Department of Physical Education and Sport Science
- Study coordinator: Dimitrios Draganidis, PhD
- Email: ddraganidis@uth.gr
- Phone: +30 2431047078
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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.