Understanding how aging affects chronic inflammation
MicroRNA Regulation of Chronic Inflammation During Aging
This study is looking to see how aging affects immune cells and chronic inflammation by comparing healthy young adults with older adults to help find better treatments for inflammation as we age.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Utah Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Salt Lake City, Utah) |
| Trial ID | NCT05392582 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to enroll healthy individuals aged 18-35 and those 65 years and older to investigate the health of immune cells in the blood and their role in chronic inflammation as we age. Participants will undergo a screening visit followed by a second visit that includes an oral glucose tolerance test, blood draws, and leg strength and exercise tests. The goal is to uncover the relationship between immune cell function and inflammation, which may lead to better therapies for managing chronic inflammation in aging populations.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy, non-obese individuals aged 18-35 or 65 years and older who meet specific health criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of cardiovascular, endocrine, metabolic, or kidney diseases, as well as those with uncontrolled hypertension or recent cancer history, may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved therapies for reducing chronic inflammation in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is observational, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the role of inflammation in aging, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age between 18 - 35y; 65y and older 2. BMI: \<30 kg/m2 3. Ability to sign informed consent 4. For older participant group: Clinical Frailty Scale score \< 3 and Mini-Cog score \> 3 5. Good general medical health, ambulatory and in independent living setting Exclusion Criteria: * History of cardiovascular disease (e.g., CHF, CAD, MI, CVA) * History of endocrine or metabolic disease such as hypo/hyperthyroidism and diabetes (Treated hypo/hyperthyroid for at least 6 months will be permitted) * History of kidney disease or failure (CKD \> stage 4) * History of vascular disease * Uncontrolled hypertension - Elevated systolic pressure \>150 or a diastolic blood pressure \> 100 * Cancer or history of successfully treated cancer (less than 1 year) other than basal cell carcinoma * Chronic systemic corticosteroid use (≥ 2 weeks) within 4 weeks of enrollment and for study duration (intra-articular/topical/inhaled therapeutic or physiologic doses of corticosteroids will be permitted) * Chronic anti-inflammatory medication use (≥ 2 weeks) within 4 weeks of enrollment * Chronic inflammatory conditions (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's, fibromyalgia, lupus, colitis) HIV, Hepatitis B and C * History of stroke with motor disability * A recent history (\<12 months) of GI bleed * History of liver disease or AST/ALT 2 times above the normal limit * History of respiratory disease (acute upper respiratory infection, history of chronic lung disease) * Current smokers or current tobacco use * Current pregnancy as determined by positive pregnancy test * Any staff members who report directly to the principal investigators.
Where this trial is running
Salt Lake City, Utah
- The University of Utah — Salt Lake City, Utah, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Micah Drummond — The University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Micah Drummond, PhD
- Email: micah.drummond@hsc.utah.edu
- Phone: 801-213-2737
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.