Clinical Research Directory

NutrImmune: Precision Nutrition to Improve Immunity in Individuals With Obesity

Obesity is a complex health condition defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an excess of body weight that may be harmful to health. It leads to other diseases such as type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular diseases, commonly referred to as "co-morbidities." Among these, it is known that obesity increases the risk of developing infectious diseases and of these diseases progressing to severe stages. During the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2009 H1N1 influenza epidemic, a rise in severe infection cases was observed in people with obesity. A part of people with obesity exhibits certain markers on the surface of their immune cells, which are known to cause immunosuppression when present in high numbers, thus increasing the risk of developing infectious diseases. Investigator teams found that after bariatric surgery and a calorie-restricted diet for weight loss, patients with obesity can improve the levels of these immunity-related markers. Moreover, the choice of foods consumed contributes to strengthening the immune system and immune functions of individuals, both directly by influencing inflammation and indirectly through the microbiota. However, to date, there are no dietary recommendations specifically designed to help people with obesity improve their immune response. Therefore, this study aims to compare different dietary recommendations intended to improve immune status, with or without calorie restriction, during 3 months, in individuals with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) and impaired immunity. Over 6 months (3 months of nutritional intervention and 3 months of follow-up), investigators will collect extensive information through biological samples, measurements and questionnaires to compare the different dietary interventions studied and to understand the mechanisms behind the results obtained.

Sucralose and Glucose Metabolism in Young Healthy Adults

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a three-week consumption of sucralose-sweetened beverages (low-calorie sweetener) on postprandial glycemic responses in healthy adults, compared with sugar-sweetened beverages under real-world conditions. In brief, postprandial glycemic responses are used as an indicator of how your body manages blood sugar levels after consuming glucose. To explore potential mechanisms underlying any observed changes in postprandial glycemic responses, we further investigated potential alterations in gut microbiota composition and functionality, as well as plasmatic biomarkers of intestinal permeability and systemic low-grade inflammation. Finally, this project explored whether free sugars derived from a natural source (100% natural fruit juice) elicit metabolic responses that differ from those of refined sugars. Participants visited the laboratory for a preliminary screening session to assess eligibility prior to being randomly assigned to one of the three experimental groups consuming either sucralose-sweetened beverages (LCS), sucrose-sweetened beverages (SSB), or 100% natural fruit juice (FJ) at dosage approximating real-world consumption over three weeks. Participants underwent two experimental sessions (duration of 3 hours each) at the beginning and completion of the study as outlined below.

Individual Factors Related to Chronic Low-grade Inflammation and Cardiometabolic Disease Risk

The goal of this observational study is to learn about low-grade inflammation in healthy individuals and individuals with overweight or obesity. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Whether it is possible to predict low-grade inflammation * What are the medical, biological, and lifestyle variables related to low-grade inflammation? Participants will be asked to: 1. Attend a general medical visit to collect vital signs, anthropometric measurements, and collect blood samples. 2. Complete questionnaires and collect a stool sample at home.