Clinical Research Directory

Investigating The Potential Of A Hay-Aged Cheese To Reduce Cholesterol As Mediated By Changes In The Gut Microbiome

The goal of this intervention trial is to investigate the potential of an artisan cheese aged in hay to induce changes in the gut microbiota in a manner which mediates a reduction in total cholesterol in participants with elevated total cholesterol. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does daily consumption of a hay aged cheese over 12 weeks reduce total cholesterol by at least 0.5mmol/l when compared the control cheese (cheddar)? Are changes in total cholesterol level reflected in changes in gut microbiota composition and activity as measured by deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing of stool composition and short chain fatty acid levels in urine? Participants will be asked to consume 30g portions of cheese every day for 12 weeks. This study is conducted in parallel, with participants either allocated onto the control arm (cheddar) or intervention arm (hay-aged cheese). Blood, stool, and urine samples will be taken throughout the trial, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure will also be measured.

Improved Diagnosis of Familial Hypercholesterolemia Across the Northland (ID-FH)

The overall goal of this study is to promote awareness of Familial Hypercholesterolemia (FH). The investigators aim to enroll patients with suspected FH into the study and will randomize them to receive usual care or motivational interview. Primary study outcomes include knowledge of FH, as well as clinical and patient-reported outcomes. This study aims to promote optimal disease management and improve outcomes of FH patients.

Impact of Phytosterol-Rich Extract on Lipid Profile

The aim of this randomized, parallel, two-arm, placebo-controlled, triple-blind clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of a phytosterol- and phytostanol-rich extract on lipid profile parameters in individuals with hypercholesterolemia, focusing primarily on total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.

Community Intervention to Improve CVD Risk Factor Control in Young American Indians

American Indians are more likely to die from heart disease compared to other people in the United States. High levels of fat (lipids) and sugar (glucose) in the blood are related to heart disease. Young American Indians who are 18 to 39 years old have high lipid and glucose levels. This has led to heart disease later in life. This means they are likely to benefit from a program to lower these levels. In this project, researchers will work with American Indians in rural southwestern Oklahoma. The researchers will start by asking American Indians how they would like to design a program for younger members of their community. After getting permission, the researchers will take a small amount of blood from young community members. The researchers will measure lipid and glucose levels and ask those with high levels to be in the study. Then the researchers will do several measurements. These will include blood pressure, height, weight, diet, physical activity, sleep, tobacco and alcohol use, access to health care, and social support. The researchers will compare these measurements to similar measurements taken from young American Indians 20 years ago, collected through the Strong Heart Study, which is the longest running study measuring heart disease in American Indians. Next, the researchers want to know if the program they developed with the American Indian communities will work. To do this, they will put people in one of two groups. They will decide which group each person will be in using a process that is like flipping a coin (heads for one group, tails for the other group). One group will receive educational booklets about how to avoid getting heart disease. The other group will receive help from a community health worker. The community health worker will help participants to get to the doctor for treatment. They will also help participants change their diet and exercise routines and provide education about heart disease risk factors. After 9 and 18 months, the researchers will repeat the measurements to see if one of the groups has lower lipid or glucose levels. This program will support the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's mission to "reduce human disease" by lowering lipid and glucose levels, which are related to getting heart disease. This will be done by using the community health worker model to help people go to the doctor and improve their lifestyle related to diet and exercise. The researchers will also be able to advance heart health in American Indians in rural Oklahoma by lowering factors related to heart disease.

Effect of a Customised Lifestyle Medicine Strategy on Lowering Blood Lipid Levels in Indian Physicians

Lifestyle medicine is a medical specialty that uses evidence-based therapeutic interventions to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic conditions. Studies have shown that a 50 mg/dl reduction in LDL reduces the risk of developing stroke by 20%, and a 10 mm Hg reduction in systolic BP reduces the risk of developing MACE by 22% and stroke by 41%. The CLIP (Cholesterol Lowering Lifestyle Intervention Project) is an innovative initiative proposed to evaluate the combined effect of an Indian version of Portfolio diet-based nutrition strategy, intermittent fasting, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction techniques on lowering blood lipid levels in health professionals and their family. The study aims to evaluate the effect of CLIP on changes in blood pressure, weight, HbA1C levels, blood CRP levels, and other blood parameters.