Clinical Research Directory

Project Sueño: Sleep & Understanding Early Nutrition in Obesity

The purpose of the study is to understand how mothers think and feel about feeding their babies and putting them to sleep, understand more about programs that can support mothers taking care of babies, and how professionals can be most helpful in helping mothers make decisions about their baby's feeding and sleeping. The overarching goal is to prevent early life obesity and progression to metabolic syndrome in high-risk populations, starting with healthy toddler weights by age 2 years.

Effects of Meal Macronutrients on Postprandial Lipids

Background: Abnormal fats in the blood can lead to many problems, including heart disease. Researchers want to learn more about how eating meals with different levels of nutrients affects fats in the blood. Specifically, they want to study people with too much body fat, too little body fat, and a kidney problem called nephrotic syndrome. Objective: To learn more about how different types of foods affect fat levels in the blood. Eligibility: People aged 18 years or older with a health condition that affects how their body handles fats. Healthy volunteers are also needed. Design: Participants will have 2 overnight stays in the clinic within 6 months. At each visit, after staying overnight, they will eat a breakfast casserole. At 1 visit, breakfast will be a high-fat, low carbohydrate meal. At the other, it will be a high-carbohydrate, low-fat meal. Participants will have a tube inserted into a vein in their arm. They will have blood drawn via the tube 12 times in 8 hours: 2 times before they eat the breakfast and 10 times after. Participants will have other tests during their stays: * A resting metabolic test captures the air they exhale and measures how much energy they use at rest. * A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan measures how much fat and muscle they have. * A Fibroscan is a special type of ultrasound of the liver. * A body surface scan uses lasers to measure the total area of the body. * A bioelectric impedance (BIS) exam measures how fast small electric currents move through their body. Participants may opt to have a third visit. At this visit, the breakfast will be high in protein....

Study of the Effect of Innate on the Inflammatory Response to Endotoxin

Background: \- Innate immunity is the process by which white blood cells and other parts of the immune system sense and respond to potential infections by causing an inflammation. Researchers are interested in studying how the body responds to certain environmental factors, and whether the body s response can contribute to chronic illnesses or diseases such as asthma and certain types of cancers. Objectives: \- To examine how specific genes and proteins in blood cells respond to environmental exposures. Eligibility: \- Healthy volunteers between 18 and 45 years of age. Design: * The study will involve one visit of 45 to 60 minutes. * Participants will be screened with a brief physical examination and finger stick to determine if they are eligible to donate blood for the study, and will complete a questionnaire about any medications or other drugs (e.g., cigarettes) they may be taking. * Participants will provide a blood sample for research purposes.

Strategic Lifestyle Intervention for Metabolic Syndrome (SLIM-MET)

This study is a randomized, parallel-group, observer-masked clinical trial. A total of 200 obese participants with MetS will be enrolled. Eligible subjects will be randomly assigned to the ILI group or ULI group with an allocation ratio of 2:1. The ILI group will be instructed to eat in 8 hours while fasting in 16 hours on daily basis over 24 weeks. Furthermore, enhanced daily physical activities with walking more than 10,000 steps will be implemented. The enrolled participants will be instructed to follow a diet with reduction of daily intake of 500 kcals per day. ILI group will be asked to use the Health2Sync mobile app to track self-measured outcomes and daily diet control. The investigators objectively measure step counts for participants of ILI group during 24-week intervention period using a wearable device (Fitbit Inspire 2). Participants are asked to attach the pedometer on their waist belt, except while bathing and sleeping. The ULI group will be instructed to follow habitual meal timing. In addition, all participants of both groups will receive the health education. Anthropometric, sociodemographic data, biochemical variables, and metabolic variables will be measured at baseline and during follow-up visit. DEXA and MRI of abdomen will be measured at baseline and during following up visits. The proposed trial is designed to provide 85% statistical power to detect a significant difference in changes in the metabolic syndrome severity score after reduction \> 5% body weight over 24 weeks. After completion of the initial 24-week lifestyle intervention, which often has limited weight loss efficacy when used alone, a second-phase intervention will be conducted from week 26 to week 52. Participants in both the ILI and ULI groups will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive one of two evidence-based oral weight control medications: a GLP-1 receptor agonist (Rybelsus) or an SGLT-2 inhibitor (Forxiga), for a duration of 26 weeks. The ILI group will continue with the daily 8-hour time-restricted eating and 16-hour fasting regimen, along with walking more than 10,000 steps per day. This phase aims to evaluate the effects of these two medications on weight reduction and liver fat content, with or without prior 26-week intensive lifestyle intervention. After the 26-week medication intervention, all participants will be followed for an additional 52 weeks to assess the sustainability of weight loss.

Effectiveness and Implementation of a Community-based Health Coach-led Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Powered Digital Self-Regulation Program for Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Lifestyle Intervention for Gentle, Healthy Transformation and Enhanced Weight Reduction-metabolic syndrome (LIGHTER-MetS) program on dietary self-regulation and cardiovascular risk among individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS). The LIGHTER-MetS program, a community-based, grassroots-led initiative, integrates health coaching with the eTRIP© app to promote sustainable lifestyle changes focusing on diet, exercise, and emotion regulation.

Testing the Adipose Expandability Hypothesis In Vivo During Overfeeding

Adipose, or fat, tissue is a plastic organ that retains the ability to expand and store excess calories during positive energy balance in humans. The capacity of subcutaneous (subQ) adipose tissue to expand and remodel is an important determinant of obesity-related health complications, and impaired expansion of subQ fat tissue is thought to contribute to the risk of diseases such as the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). The objectives of the study are to evaluate the changes and mechanisms of (subQ) adipose tissue expandability that occur as a result of short-term weight gain and to investigate the effects on cardio-metabolic health outcomes. Findings from this study will provide new insight into the dynamics of adipose expansion and remodeling during changes in energy balance and how this may impact future fat tissue function and metabolic health.

The PIVOT Trial: Project on EHR-Integrated Lifestyle Interventions for Adults Aged Fifty and Older

This is a multisite clinical trial of healthy lifestyle programs for middle-to-older-aged adults (50 -74 years) to improve their weight and, therefore, reduce risk for chronic disease. This study will investigate whether a proven, self-directed video-based lifestyle program can be significantly enhanced with the assistance of a coach via videoconference or phone to help people as they adopt healthy eating and exercise behaviors. Additionally, the study will examine what factors might explain why some people achieve better outcomes than others. Understanding this can help to tailor the program to an individual for personalized care in the future. Importantly, this study aims to demonstrate how readily a digital lifestyle program, with or without remote coaching, can be seamlessly delivered to patients at home via the patient portal of their electronic health record. This practical use of existing telehealth tools could be a feasible and effective means to offer behavioral treatments during routine medical care.

Development and Multicenter Validation of an AI-Based Remote Photoplethysmography (rPPG) Facial Scan for Multimodal Health Assessment

The goal of this observational study is to learn if a non-contact facial scan using artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to check health status in adults living in urban areas such as Jakarta. The facial scan uses a method called remote photoplethysmography (rPPG), which measures small changes in blood flow from the face using a camera. The main questions this study aims to answer are: 1. How close are the results from the facial scan to standard medical measurements, such as heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels? 2. Can the facial scan estimate other health indicators, such as blood sugar, lipid profile, HbA1c, and hemoglobin levels? 3. Is there a relationship between the facial scan results and mental health, such as stress, anxiety, and depression? Participants will take part in several simple and mostly non-invasive procedures: 1. Answer questionnaires about their mental health and daily habits 2. Have basic health checks, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and body measurements 3. Provide a blood sample for laboratory testing 4. Complete a facial scan using a camera for about 1 to 3 minutes Researchers will compare the results from the facial scan with standard clinical and laboratory tests to see how well the technology works. This study may help develop a simple and accessible screening tool that can be used for early detection of health risks. It may also support the use of digital health and telemedicine in community and clinical settings.

A Randomized Comparison of Stage-Based Care Versus Risk Factor-Based Care for Prevention of Cardiovascular Events

TRANSFORM is a prospective, randomized, open blinded endpoint (PROBE), event-driven, pragmatic trial in patients who are at increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular (CV) disease but with no known symptomatic CV disease. The trial tests the hypothesis that a Cleerly Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Staging System-based care strategy reduces CV events compared with risk factor-based care.

Study of the Effects of Food Formulations Containing Antioxidants, Prebiotic Fibers, and Oat Beta-glucans in Individuals at Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether introducing specific functional foods into the diet of individuals at risk of developing metabolic syndrome leads to improvements in key metabolic and oxidative health parameters. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does the consumption of these functional foods reduce post-prandial glycemia? Does daily intake of these formulations improve other health indicators such as body weight, body composition, lipid profile, and oxidative metabolomic markers? The functional food formulations used in this study include: A blend of multifunctional ingredients derived from apple and grape by-products Added prebiotic fibers (inulin) Oat β-glucans Omega-3 fatty acids Participants will: Consume the assigned functional food formulations daily Attend regular clinic visits for physiological measurements and blood tests Undergo assessments of body composition, serum lipids, and serum metabolomics Primary Study Objective: Variation in post-prandial glycemia Secondary Objectives: Reduction in BMI Changes in body composition Changes in serum lipid profile Changes in serum oxidative-related metabolomics

Assessing the Association Between H. Pylori Persistence and the Severity of Insulin Resistance in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome

This retrospective cohort study evaluates the association between H. pylori persistence and insulin resistance severity (HOMA-IR) in 100 patients with metabolic syndrome at Novosibirsk's Center for New Medical Technologies (CNMT). Patients are divided into infected (n=50) and non-infected (n=50) groups, assessing metabolic parameters, gastro panel, and CRP. Primary endpoint: HOMA-IR differences; secondary: correlations with gastric inflammation and metabolic markers.

A Prospective Cohort Study on Patient With Obesity Undergoing Weight Change

This prospective cohort study collected baseline data and followed up obese patients at their first visit to a weight loss clinic. The study examined the impact of various predictors and biomarkers on weight loss outcomes, aiming to establish an evidence-based foundation for personalized weight loss treatment. Participants underwent a battery of measurements and questionnaires, including height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood tests, and questionnaires addressing diet, exercise, stress, sleep, measure handgrip strength ,and psychological well-being.

The ILERVAS Project: Assessing the Prevalence of Subclinical Vascular Disease and Hidden Kidney Disease

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death despite huge primary and secondary prevention policies with a strong economic burden. The primary objectives of the ILERVAS project are: (i) to identify unknown factors involved in the presence of atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes and hidden kidney disease in a low/moderate cardiovascular risk population; (ii) to identify unknown factors involved in the progression of atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, pre-diabetes and hidden kidney disease in a low/moderate cardiovascular risk population; (iii) to Assess of the impact of arterial ultrasound on cardiovascular events and mortality in a low/moderate cardiovascular risk population. METHODS: Randomized intervention study. From 2015 to 2018, 16,660 participants (8,330 in the intervention group (Mobile Unit Follow-up Group) and 8,330 in the no intervention group (Electronic Medical History Follow-up Group )) aged between 45 and 70 years without a previous history of cardiovascular disease and with at least one cardiovascular risk factor will be randomly selected across the province of Lleida, Spain.

"Improving Health and Reducing Chronic Disease Risk in Middle-Aged Adults Through Nutrition"

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effect of a multifactorial lifestyle intervention combining Mediterranean diet, energy reduction and physical activity on weight loss in middle-aged adults (men and women 30-50 years old) with metabolic syndrome. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is a multifactorial intervention based on Mediterranean diet, energy reduction and physical activity able to promote weight loss maintenance in middle-aged men and women with metabolic syndrome? syndrome? Which are the sociodemographic barriers to adhere to a multifactorial lifestyle intervention to promote cardiometabolic health? How is the lifestyle pattern of middle-aged Spanish adults with metabolic Researchers will compare a multifactorial lifestyle intervention combining Mediterranean diet, energy reduction and physical activity to a control intervention based on usual primary healthcare to see if the intervention improve cardiometabolic traits and promote weight loss maintenance after 1 year. Participants in the intervention arm will be asked to follow an energy-reduced Mediterranean diet plus a physical activity program with the aim of reducing 5-10% of the initial weight in 6 months and of maintaining the weight lost after 1 year o follow-up.

PBMC as Biomarkers of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), especially when associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) is at high risk to develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) or heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), and the specific impact of T2D+MS in cardiac function impairment is usually known as "diabetic cardiomyopathy" (DC). Cardiac remodelling (ie hypertrophy) and subtle myocardial dysfunction are highly prevalent in T2D+MS but not specific enough to predict further HFpEF or HFmrEF. Also, current biomarkers can identify but do not predict HFpEF or HFmrEF in T2D patients; Furthermore, specific biomarkers are needed. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from a peripheral blood sample can provide insights from calcic and inflammatory pathways, and may identify more specific molecular signatures shared between T2D+MS and HFpEF.

Exercise and Carotid Artery Function in Metabolic Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to determine 1) if young adults with metabolic syndrome display endothelial dysfunction of the internal carotid artery in a sex-specific fashion and 2) if this endothelial dysfunction can be acutely improved with a single bout of exercise. This will be achieved by testing internal carotid artery function before and after a 30-minute bout of moderate intensity exercise. 48 young adults with and without metabolic syndrome will be enrolled and will be on study for approximately 5.5 hours over 4 study visits.

Feasibility of the Paso Program for Patients With Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

The purpose of this study is to learn whether the Paso weight loss program is feasible for Mexican and Central American patients with fatty liver disease. In addition, the investigators will also look at whether the program improves weight loss, fatty liver disease, physical activity, diet, and family support among patients.

Study of the Effect of a Nutritional Supplement on Microbiota, Metabolic Control, Inflammatory Profile, and Quality of Life in Patients With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine-metabolic disorder characterized by elevated androgen levels due to ovarian overproduction. Although the pathophysiology of PCOS is not fully understood, it is estimated that insulin resistance (IR) occurs in 70-80% of PCOS cases, which may contribute to hyperandrogenism in affected women. Women with PCOS and IR are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, lipid profile deterioration, elevated inflammation levels, and greater oxidative stress. The symptoms of PCOS are varied and differ among patients. Common symptoms include androgenic alopecia, hirsutism, acne, abdominal fat accumulation, and fertility issues. These physical manifestations and related problems have been associated with reduced quality of life and self-esteem in these women. The symptoms of PCOS can be improved through lifestyle changes aimed at enhancing insulin sensitivity, such as proper nutrition and regular physical exercise. Some supplements, such as a combination of Myo-inositol and D-chiro-inositol in a 40:1 ratio, are being used to support the management of PCOS because they appear to improve insulin sensitivity, as well as reduce underlying inflammation and oxidative stress. To determine whether nutritional intervention combined with inositol supplementation improves PCOS symptoms, various variables will be analyzed to assess improvements in oxidative stress markers, inflammation, lipid profile, hormonal profile, and microbiota. Additionally, if the metabolic profile improves, it is hypothesized that this could also enhance quality of life and self-esteem.

Associations Between Dietary Patterns, LDL Aggregation, and Cardiometabolic Health: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

This study aims to investigate the extent to which vegan or plant-based, omnivorous, and carnivore dietary patterns affect LDL aggregation susceptibility (the affinity for LDL cholesterol particles to clump together in the blood), which may promote plaque build-up in arteries. Using a cross-sectional mixed-methods design, the study will measure LDL aggregation, blood lipids, and other metabolic biomarkers in individuals following these diets, and combine these data with dietary and behavioural information to examine links with cardiovascular and metabolic health.

iWAIST Trial: ERCG (Endoscopic Radial Compression Gastroplasty) vs Optimized Lifestyle Intervention for Weight Loss

Obesity and overweight are rising in Chinese populations, where metabolic risks begin at lower BMI thresholds than in Western cohorts. Many individuals with overweight or mild-to-moderate obesity are ineligible or unwilling to undergo bariatric surgery due to invasiveness and risk. Endoscopic bariatric and metabolic therapies offer minimally invasive alternatives but vary in complexity, cost, and safety profiles. Investigators developed a sutureless endoscopic procedure, Endoscopic Radial Compression Gastroplasty (ERCG), which reduces gastric volume by apposing gastric walls using a clip-and-loop system. This randomized controlled trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of ERCG versus an optimized lifestyle intervention in Asian adults with BMI 24.0-37.4 kg/m² who have not succeeded with conservative measures. Preliminary studies suggest ERCG can achieve approximately 12% total body weight loss (TBWL) at 3 months. The primary endpoint is percent TBWL at 3 months; secondary outcomes include changes in BMI, metabolic parameters, quality of life, and adverse events. Results are expected to inform the role of ERCG as a safe, effective, and scalable option between conservative care and bariatric surgery.

Comparative Effects of Carnivore and Mediterranean-style Diets on LDL Aggregation and Cardiometabolic Health

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether following a Mediterranean-style diet or a Carnivore-style diet can improve heart and metabolic health in men and women aged 30-60 years with high LDL cholesterol. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does following a Mediterranean or Carnivore diet change how easily LDL cholesterol particles clump together (LDL aggregation susceptibility)? 2. Do these two diets have different effects on other measures of heart and metabolic health, such as blood fats, blood vessel function, and overall wellbeing? Researchers will compare people who follow the Mediterranean-style diet with those who follow the Carnivore-style diet to see which diet produces more beneficial changes in cholesterol and heart health markers. Participants will: * Attend three visits at Liverpool John Moores University for screening and data collection. * Be randomly assigned to follow either the Mediterranean or Carnivore diet for 3 weeks, matched for calories and protein. * Provide fasting blood, urine, and stool samples before and after the diet period. * Complete non-invasive cardiovascular tests to measure blood vessel and heart function. * Take part in a short interview and complete questionnaires about their experience of following the diet.

Effects of Cranberry on Gut and Metabolic Health

The consumption of plant-based foods, particularly berries, has been associated with improved health due to their high content of bioactive compounds. Among these, polyphenols-especially proanthocyanidins (PACs)-may offer protective effects against chronic diseases related to overweight and obesity. Cranberries are naturally rich in PACs and may positively influence metabolic health by modulating the gut microbiota. However, their specific effects on intestinal integrity and broader metabolic outcomes remain underexplored. The primary aim of this study is to assess the effects of cranberry supplementation on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, blood lipid levels, and the composition and function of the gut microbiota in overweight and obese individuals. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover clinical trial will include two 12-week intervention periods-one with a cranberry beverage and one with a placebo-separated by a 4-week washout period and preceded by a 2-week lifestyle stabilization phase. Participants will undergo comprehensive metabolic assessments (glucose control, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile), body composition analysis, gut microbiota profiling, and liver fat imaging (MRI in a subsample of female participants). Additional evaluations will include markers of inflammation, appetite regulation, intestinal health, and lifestyle factors.

Choroid Plexus Dysfunction in Neurological Diseases

Cerebral folate deficiency (CFD), a partially treatable condition defined by a low folate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentration, can be linked to genetic defects of folate metabolism or be secondary to various diseases without clear causal link. The team identified a neurological syndrome (named LHIPFOLFD) characterized by deep CFD and a specific leukoencephalopathy, related to several possible gene defects never involving folate metabolism. The team hypothesize that CFD in LHIPFOLD is due to a Choroid Plexus (CP) dysfunction, a brain organ that expresses transporters regulating flux between blood and CSF of numerous metabolites (including folate), and secretes CSF and specific proteins. Consequently, other potentially treatable biochemical abnormalities due to PC dysfunction may exist in LHIPFOLD, beyond CFD. Currently, there is no available clinical explorations to evaluate CP functions, whereas the team consider LHIPFOLD a very useful model to validate the capacity of some relevant diagnostic tools to do so. The objectives are to identify a CP-related MRI and biochemical signature in LHIPFOLD patients, using morphological and functional imaging (CP capillary permeability and CP macrovascular perfusion), and metabolomics/proteomics approaches (untargeted then targeted validation of candidate biomarkers related to CP physiology); and to set-up imaging and biochemical diagnostic tests for clinical practice. For this, brain MRI data and blood/CSF samples will be collected during 2 years from LHIPFOLD patients and controls. Some experimental data indicate that the innovative concept of generalized PC dysfunction as part of a more global pathophysiology has the potential to be applied to other neurological diseases like Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, efficient diagnostic tools exploring CP function will be of great utility not only in LHIPFOLD but also in more common neurological diseases, potentially leading to original therapeutic approaches.

Understanding Components of Mind-body Exercise for Physical Activity Engagement in Metabolic Syndrome

The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability (e.g., enrollment, adherence, retention, acceptability of procedures and interventions) of a pilot factorial study design that will help elucidate components of mind-body exercise interventions. The study involves completing a walking program, a mindful attention program, a walking program that includes mindful attention, or no program at all. A "pilot" study is a smaller study that helps researchers to understand whether the study design can be carried out and what participants think about the study.