Clinical Research Directory

Lipoprotein Metabolism in Normal Volunteers and Patients With High Levels of Lipoproteins

Researchers plan to study the fat-rich particles, called lipoproteins, which circulate in the blood. This study is designed to improve understanding of normal, as well as abnormal, lipoprotein metabolism and the role it plays in the development of hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis). Patients participating in this study will receive injections of lipoproteins or apolipoproteins (the protein component of lipoproteins) that have been isolated and purified. These lipoproteins will be labeled with small amounts of radioactive material and sterilized before they are injected into the patient. Patients participating in the study will be required to have blood samples taken, and provide urine samples throughout the course of the study. In addition, patient will be required to follow a specially formulated diet. Patients will be weighed throughout the course of the study....

Evaluation of an Integrated, Digital, Nurse-led, Remote Monitoring Care Pathway for Cardiovascular Risk Management

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the implementation of a structured, digital, nurse-led, remote monitoring care pathway for cardiovascular risk management (CVRM). Participants will receive this care as part of routine clinical practice. In addition to standard follow-up, participants will complete questionnaires on quality of life, medication adherence, system usability, and patient satisfaction.

Patient-engaged Development and Testing of Educational Content on Side Effects of Statins

The purpose of this study is to learn about people's experiences and perspectives on side effects of statins and to use this information to develop and test educational content to help people understand statin side effects when they are newly prescribed a statin. Participants in the first phase of the study will fill out a survey and participate in a focus group or interview. Participants in the second phase of the study will view educational content, fill out a survey, and participate in two interviews.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Lipid Profile in Hospitalized Mexican Adults

Traditional cardiovascular risk models are limited in capturing functional alterations in HDL-C linked to smoking and diet in Latin American populations. We analyzed the relationship between traditional and non-traditional risk factors and the serum lipid profile of hospitalized Mexican adults, emphasizing HDL-C behavior.

Early Triple Lipid-Lowering Therapy With Bempedoic Acid After Acute Coronary Syndrome

This randomized clinical trial will evaluate whether starting bempedoic acid in addition to high-intensity statin therapy and ezetimibe within 72 hours after percutaneous coronary intervention improves low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) control in adults with acute coronary syndrome. Participants will receive either triple therapy with a high-intensity statin, ezetimibe, and bempedoic acid or standard dual therapy with a high-intensity statin and ezetimibe for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is the proportion of participants with LDL-C below 55 mg/dL at Week 12. Changes in lipid and inflammatory markers, medication adherence, and treatment-emergent adverse events will also be assessed.

Impact of Golden Rice-Piper Crocatum Cookies on Lipid Control in Diabetes Mellitus Patients

People with diabetes often experience abnormal blood fat levels, known as dyslipidemia, which increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. The aim of the study, researchers are exploring a natural and practical solution through a healthy snack in the form of cookies. These cookies are made from Golden Rice, which is rich in beta-carotene as a natural antioxidant, and Piper crocatum (red betel leaf) extract, which contains polyphenols and flavonoids that may help lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and protect blood vessels. In this study, patients with diabetes will consume the cookies for 28 days, and their blood fat levels will be measured before and after the intervention. The results will then be compared with those of a control group who receive the Golden rice cookies without piper crocatum extract. This research aims to show that Golden Rice with Piper crocatum extract cookies can reduce bad cholesterol and triglycerides, increase good cholesterol, and serve as a safe, affordable, and acceptable food option to support daily diabetes care. If successful, this approach may offer patients and families a simple way to help prevent complications and improve quality of life, alongside regular treatment and lifestyle changes.

Polypills Approach for Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors

The Polypill Approach for Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors (PACIF) trial is a multicenter randomized controlled trial that will test the effectiveness and safety of a fixed-dose combination strategy for the integrated management of hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes among adults aged 50 to 75 years without prior cardiovascular disease in China. The trial will evaluate whether a fixed-dose combination strategy improves the 10-year cardiovascular disease risk estimated using the PREVENT equations at Phase 1. Participants will be further followed to determine whether the fixed-dose combination strategy reduces major cardiovascular events and improves cognitive outcomes compared with usual care at Phase 2.

Community Physical Exercise Program in Chronic Disease

This study focuses on promoting physical activity (PA) through the implementation of a Community Physical Exercise Program for Chronic Diseases (CPEP-CD), targeting individuals aged 50 years and older with at least two of the following conditions: cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease or risk (CVD), overweight, diabetes mellitus (DM), and musculoskeletal diseases. The primary objective is to improve muscle and cardiorespiratory health and well-being, while also contributing to a more objective and evidence-based exercise prescription for these pathological conditions. Population ageing is a global challenge associated with an increased prevalence of chronic diseases that compromise quality of life (QoL). A sedentary lifestyle is linked to declines in muscle function and cardiorespiratory fitness and is considered a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Consequently, physical exercise is widely recommended as a key non-pharmacological intervention across multiple chronic diseases. According to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, regular PA is a protective factor in the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases and DM. In addition, PA provides mental health benefits, supports healthy weight maintenance, and enhances overall well-being. In adults, regular PA is associated with reductions in all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and the incidence of hypertension. Within this context, the aim of this project is to implement a community-based physical exercise program for individuals with chronic disease and multimorbidity, focusing on CVD and cerebrovascular disease or risk, DM, and OA. The program integrates existing exercise prescription guidelines while personalizing exercise progression according to both disease-specific and multimorbidity profiles. The primary outcomes include improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, bone health, functional capacity, and QoL. Additionally, through individualized training monitoring, this study seeks to establish an exercise prescription tailored to the most prevalent combinations of chronic diseases, thereby providing more objective and practical guidance for family physicians, exercise professionals, and rehabilitation specialists, and supporting more personalized and targeted exercise-based strategies for chronic disease prevention and management.

Intermittent Cottonseed Oil Consumption

Cardiovascular disease risk factors, including higher BMIs and poor cholesterol profiles, are on the rise and contribute to the United States' growing disease burden. Cottonseed oil (CSO) is found readily in the food supply, and the investigator's previous studies have demonstrated that incorporating CSO into the diet is sufficient to improve fasting and postprandial blood lipids and other markers of chronic disease risk in both healthy and at-risk populations. This study aims to examine the impact of intermittent CSO consumption at different doses (consumed three times per week (3x/wk)) on changes in fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism/blood lipids and markers of chronic disease risk. The specific aims are: \*Examine the impact of intermittent CSO consumption (3x/week) at two different doses on fasting and postprandial lipids. \*Examine the impact of intermittent CSO consumption (3x/week) at two different doses on other markers of chronic disease risk. Participants will be asked to: \*Consume provided meal replacement shakes and snacks 3 times per week for 56 days. \*Attend three bi-weekly (every other week) short visits for fasting blood draws, body measurements, and collection of the next two weeks' study materials. \*Attend two longer (5.5h) testing visits, which include eating a standardized breakfast meal and having blood drawn periodically before and after breakfast. Researchers will compare CSO-30, CSO-20, and Control groups (receiving no oil) to see if intermittent CSO consumption imparts the same health benefits as previously shown with daily doses of CSO.

Bioequivalence Study of AJU-C715 and C715R in Healthy Adult Volunteers

To Evaluate the Safety and Pharmacokinetics of "AJU-C715" and "C715R" in Healthy Adults.

Cottonseed Oil Versus Matched PUFA Effects

Cardiovascular disease risk factors, including higher BMIs and poor cholesterol profiles, are on the rise and contribute to the United States' growing disease burden. Cottonseed oil (CSO) is found readily in the food supply, and the investigator's previous studies have demonstrated that incorporating CSO into the diet is sufficient to improve fasting cholesterol profile and improve postprandial lipid and/or glycemic responses in both healthy, and at-risk populations. This study aims to compare CSO to a fatty acid composition-matched diet, on changes in fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism and markers of chronic disease risk. The specific aims are: * Examine the impact of CSO vs. PUFA on fasting and postprandial lipids. * Examine the impact of CSO on other markers of chronic disease risk. Participants will be asked to: * Consume provided meal replacement shakes daily for 28-days. * Attend three weekly short visits for fasting blood draws, body measurements, and collect the next week of study materials, * Attend two longer (5.5h) testing visits which include eating a standardized breakfast meal and having blood drawn periodically before and after breakfast. Researchers will compare CSO vs. PUFA and control groups (receiving a mixture of oils) to see if CSO is unique in imparting health benefits when compared with similar matched oil diets.

Electronic Health Record Augmented LDL-Cholesterol Optimization and Control Via Active Lipid Engagement (EHR-LOCALE): A Quality Improvement Implementation Study

The purpose of this study is to determine whether a proactive, EHR-guided approach helps more individuals reach safe cholesterol levels, improves medication use, and reduces future heart attacks and strokes, compared to usual care. The main question it aims to answer is: • Does the EHR-LOCALE pathway increases the proportion of patients who reach the LDL-cholesterol target of \<1.8 mmol/L at 6 months? Participants in the interventional group receive: * Pharmacist contact * Repeat lipid requisitions * Review of medications, adherence, and side effects * Treatment escalation according to national dyslipidemia guidelines

LLM-CoManage: Large Language Model-Enabled Co-Management of Hypertension, Diabetes, and Dyslipidemia

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a large language model (LLM)-supported, community-based integrated management model in improving cardiometabolic multimorbidity control among adults with hypertension and coexisting diabetes or dyslipidemia. Adopting an interventional study design, eligible patients will be recruited to compare the disease control indicators between LLM-assisted management and conventional management, so as to verify the effectiveness and safety of the former.

A Study to Investigate Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of AZD4954 in Healthy Adult Participants With or Without Elevated Lipoprotein (a) (Lp[a]) Levels, and Participants With Dyslipidemia

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of single and multiple ascending doses of AZD4954 in healthy participants with or without elevated Lipoprotein(a) (Lp\[a\]) levels and participants with dyslipidemia.

Digital Care for Holistic Health in Older Adults With Diabetes and Multimorbidity

The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of the "Digital Care Community Common Good" program in improving disease control indicators, self-management abilities, depression, and quality of life among patients with comorbidities and type 2 diabetes. The study was designed as a two-year experimental study, with a specific area in New Taipei City selected as the research site. In the first year, the main tasks include establishing an integrated intervention team composed of primary healthcare providers and community resources, expanding the functionalities of the mHealth platform, developing digital educational materials for diabetes comorbidities care, and recruiting and training 6 to 8 community care volunteers. Additionally, 169 eligible participants with type 2 diabetes and comorbidities will be recruited from four communities, completing baseline assessments and randomization into groups. In the second year, a 6-month intervention and effectiveness evaluation of the " Digital Care Community Common Good " program will be implemented. The intervention includes online and in-person educational sessions, telephone care, use of the mHealth platform (featuring educational, data monitoring, contextual learning, interactive, and reminders), as well as home visits, case discussions, and individualized care plans for high-risk cases. Disease control indicators, selfmanagement abilities, depression, and quality of life will be tracked immediately post-intervention, at 3 month, and at 6 month to assess outcomes and changes over time. This study expects to enhance health management for diabetes patients with comorbidities through digital care and interdisciplinary collaboration, offering evidence-based insights and recommendations for policy implementation in the integration of community and primary healthcare models.

Targeting Metabolic Syndrome From the Emergency Department Through Mixed-Methods: Pilot Trial

The objective of this study is to pilot a multifaceted, optimized intervention for metabolic syndrome (MetS) in emergency department patients to establish feasibility. Participants (n=20) will be randomized to intervention or control (usual care). The composite intervention will include an educational video outlining the adverse effects of MetS and the benefit of walking, a written exercise prescription with a defined goal of walking 150 minutes per week, a Fitbit accelerometer device, resources for healthy eating practices, periodic text message reminders, and an urgent referral to primary care and our health system's Healthy Me clinic for follow-up visit. Investigators hypothesize that this approach will change patient understanding and motivation to increase physical activity and healthy eating habits.

A Novel Digital Tool Physicians Can Use to Prescribe Exercise to Patients With Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors

The investigators will conduct a feasibility and pilot efficacy randomized controlled trial to test the usability and user satisfaction of an evidence-based digital health tool the investigators developed for physicians to use to Prioritize Personalize Prescribe EXercise (P3-EX) to patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. The investigators will recruit 24 physicians from two local hospitals in CT, USA. Physicians will recruit two patients each (N=48) having CVD risk factors. Physicians will deliver a P3-EX exercise prescription (ExRx) to one of their patients (n=24) and the American College of Sports Medicine Physical Activity Vital Sign (ACSM-PAVS) ExRx to the other (n=24) in a random sequence crossover design. Physicians and patients will rate the feasibility and acceptability of each method using validated questionnaires. Patients will perform their prescribed ExRx for 12 weeks and complete a self-report exercise diary to monitor exercise adherence with virtual oversight from University of Connecticut (UConn) Graduate Research Assistants. Before and after the exercise intervention, the investigators will measure patient CVD risk factors and physical activity (PA) levels via accelerometry. The primary aim is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of P3-EX for physicians to use to prescribe exercise to patients with CVD risk factors, and the secondary aim is to explore the preliminary efficacy of P3-EX to improve patient CVD risk factors, PA levels, and exercise adherence. The investigators hypothesize P3-EX will be feasible for physicians to use to prescribe customized exercise routines for patients with CVD risk factors, and physicians and patients will be satisfied with P3-EX.

Cardiometabolic Effects of the Recommended Daily Pecan Intake Dose

Cardiovascular disease risk factors, including higher BMIs and poor cholesterol profiles, are on the rise and contribute to the United States' growing disease burden. The bioactive compounds contained in tree nuts have been shown to beneficially affect cardiometabolic health outcomes. Pecans contain more total phenols, sterols, and flavonoids than any other tree nut. They also are a rich source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fiber, vitamin A, vitamin E, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. These bioactive components in pecans are likely the reason for the previously documented improvements in cardiometabolic health. This study aims to examine the impact of a low dose of pecans on changes in fasting and postprandial lipid metabolism/blood lipids and markers of chronic disease risk. The specific aims of this study are to: * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at a dose of 6% of total energy needs for 12 weeks on fasting and postprandial blood lipids. * Examine the effect of pecan consumption at a dose of 6% of total energy needs for 12 weeks on other markers of chronic disease risk. Participants will be asked to: * Consume pecans daily for 12 weeks or maintain their current habitual diet. * Attend two short visits at 4 and 8 weeks for fasting blood draws, body measurements, and to collect their next 4 weeks' supply of study materials. * Attend two longer (5 h) testing visits, which include eating a standard breakfast meal and having their blood drawn periodically before and after breakfast. Researchers will compare the Pecan and Control groups to examine the physiologic effects of incorporating a low dose of pecans into one's diet.

Effect of macaúba Oil Combined With Green Exercises

Animal model studies involving macaúba oil demonstrate beneficial effects on fat, oxidative stress, and adipogenesis. This study aims to evaluate lipid oxidation and mental stress levels in trained individuals following macaúba oil supplementation combined with outdoor exercise (green exercise) performed in a fasted state. The study will be randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled. Participants will receive either 400 mg of macaúba oil or placebo pills over an 8-week period while engaging in 5 km running sessions four times a week. Assessments of anthropometric parameters, body composition (DEXA), biochemical parameters, and heart rate will be conducted before and after the intervention, alongside the administration of a questionnaire regarding emotional well-being and perceived stress. At the end of the intervention, results will be analyzed using Kubios HRV 2.0 and GraphPad Prism (version 5.0) software; the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests will be applied to verify data normality, the Student's t-test for parametric data, and the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests for non-parametric data.

Effects of Policosanol and Exercise on Fitness and Lipids in People With Elevated Blood Lipids

This study will evaluate the effects of policosanol supplementation, concurrent exercise training, and their combination on physical fitness, muscle recovery, inflammatory markers, and blood lipid profiles in adults with elevated blood lipids who are not currently indicated for lipid-lowering medication. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of four groups for 12 weeks: policosanol plus exercise training, policosanol alone, placebo plus exercise training, or placebo without structured exercise training. Participants assigned to the supplementation groups will take policosanol 5 mg per day, while those assigned to the placebo groups will take a matching placebo. Participants assigned to the exercise groups will complete a standardized concurrent exercise training program combining aerobic and resistance exercise. The study will compare changes in physical fitness, lipid profiles, and selected blood biomarkers before and after the intervention. The findings may help determine whether low-dose policosanol, alone or combined with exercise training, can support cardiometabolic health and physical fitness in adults with dyslipidemia.

To Evaluate the Safety and Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of AJU-C716 and C716R in Healthy Adults

To Evaluate the Safety and Pharmacokinetic Characteristics of AJU-C716 and C716R in Healthy Adults

Taiwan Green Propolis for Blood Lipids and Body Fat in Patients With MASLD

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common chronic liver condition linked to excess body fat, high blood lipids, and other metabolic problems. Taiwan green propolis is a natural health product collected by bees from plants, which has shown potential benefits for blood lipids and body fat in laboratory and animal studies. However, its effects in people with MASLD have not been well established in clinical trials. This study is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial enrolling up to 60 adults with MASLD at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital in Taiwan. Eligible participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either Taiwan green propolis capsules or matching placebo capsules for 12 weeks. Participants take 2 capsules before breakfast and 2 capsules before dinner each day (4 capsules per day total). Neither participants nor the research team know which capsules are being taken until the study ends. The study measures changes in blood lipids (triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and HDL-C), body fat percentage, body weight, waist circumference, liver enzymes, blood sugar levels, inflammatory markers, and health-related quality of life. Liver fat and scarring are assessed by abdominal ultrasound before and after the intervention. Gut microbiota samples are also collected. Assessments are conducted at baseline, at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks (end of intervention), and at follow-up visits 2 weeks and 12 weeks after the intervention ends. The goal of this study is to provide scientific evidence on whether Taiwan green propolis can safely and effectively improve blood lipids, body fat, and metabolic health in people with MASLD, and to explore the relationship between physiological improvements and health behavior changes.

Study to Evaluate the Safety and the Pharmacokinetics of "UI111" and "UIC202006" Under Fed Conditions

Phase 1 study to evaluate the safety and the pharmacokinetics of "UI111" and "UIC202006" in healthy adult volunteers under fed state conditions \- Open-label, randomized, single-dose, 2-sequence, 4-period, crossover design

Reducing Inflammation to Improve Vascular and Bone Outcomes With Low-dose Colchicine in CKD

The overall objective of this pilot randomized clinical trial is to determine whether low-dose Colchicine (LoDoCo) improves vascular disease including vascular calcification, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder (CKD-MBD) biomarkers in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3 over a 12-month intervention period, compared with usual care. Successful completion of this study will generate critical preliminary data to support a larger clinical trial aimed at evaluating inflammation-targeted therapies to mitigate CKD-MBD, including vascular calcification and related PAD, as well as osteoporosis, ultimately reducing cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with CKD. Additionally, this work has the potential to redefine the diagnostic framework for CKD-MBD.