Clinical Research Directory

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.

Comparing a Healthy Beef-Centric Diet to a Healthy U.S.-Style Diet on Metabolic Health Outcomes in Pre-Diabetic Adults

This randomized study will be conducted to compare the effect of a healthy beef-centric diet to a healthy U.S.-style dietary pattern on inflammation and other metabolic health outcomes in a metabolic syndrome and/or pre-diabetic population.

Incidence of Liver Disease-Related Outcomes in People With HIV

Antiretroviral therapy can effectively control the replication of HIV, prolong the lifespan of patients infected with HIV, and improve their quality of life.At the same time, non-AIDS-related diseases such as diabetes and chronic liver diseases are increasing day by day.Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic progressive liver disease caused by overnutrition and insulin resistance in genetically susceptible individuals. It was formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).With the continuous improvement of living standards and the constant change of lifestyles, the incidence of metabolic associated fatty liver disease is gradually increasing. Metabolic associated steatohepatitis (MASH) may further develop into liver cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma, and is the third most common cause of liver transplantation. In HIV patients, early identification of significant liver fibrosis and MASH with fibrosis is of vital importance.However, due to the fact that the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in HIV patients is more complex than that in the general population, it involves multiple factors such as the virus, reverse transcriptase drugs, chronic inflammation, and immune disorders.However, the current clinical research on metabolic-related fatty liver fibrosis in people with HIV is still rather limited.

Isoleucine Addition Treatment Effects in a Controlled Diet Study

The primary purpose of this study is to determine whether isoleucine repletion attenuates increases in insulin sensitivity typically observed when people with obesity follow a healthy, low-isoleucine diet.

Metabolic Syndrome Associated Diet

The goal of this observational study is to examine the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and periodontitis, and to evaluate the role of the Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) in this association. The main question it aims to answer is: Does a pro-inflammatory diet, as measured by the DII, increase the risk or severity of periodontitis in individuals with metabolic syndrome? Participants will include adults who meet the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome. Their periodontal health will be assessed through standard clinical parameters, and dietary data will be collected using a validated food frequency questionnaire to calculate individual DII scores. The study will observe and analyze these factors to explore potential links between diet-induced inflammation, systemic metabolic health, and periodontal outcomes.

A Study to Evaluate the Effect of Obicetrapib/Ezetimibe 10 mg Fixed-Dose Combination or Obicetrapib 10 mg Daily on Top of Guideline-Recommended Lipid-Lowering Therapy in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes and/or Metabolic Syndrome

This study will be a placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized, Phase 3 study to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of obicetrapib 10 mg, both as a fixed-dose combination (FDC) with ezetimibe 10 mg and as monotherapy, on top of guideline-recommended lipid-lowering therapy in patients with metabolic syndrome and/or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Arlington Longitudinal Optimal Healthy Aging Study (ALOHA)

The Arlington Longitudinal Optimal Healthy Aging (ALOHA) Study is a community-based research project led by the Marymount University Center for Optimal Aging (MCOA). The study is designed to help older adults in the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area maintain independence, mobility, wellbeing and brain health as they age. Adults aged 50 years and older will receive a comprehensive health assessment at the study site, Center for Optimal Aging- ALOHA Lab at Marymount University (MU) Ballston Campus in Arlington, Virginia. The assessment includes physical and cognitive testing, health and medical history, lifestyle surveys, and biometric measures such as blood pressure, grip strength, body composition by the InBody system, balance and gait speed. Participants will receive their results in a personalized "Health Passport," which summarizes findings and provides tailored recommendations to help manage modifiable health risk factors-such as those linked to Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, frailty syndrome, and depression. Participants will return annually for up to 5 years to repeat assessments and receive updated health and wellness recommendations. The study will track changes in health over time and explore the impact of the Health Passport on health behaviors, functional independence, and quality of life. ALOHA will also evaluate the cultural appropriateness of the Health Passport for diverse populations in Northern Virginia. The program incorporates an interprofessional research model, engaging researchers from multiple health professions to work alongside older adults, supporting both participants' wellness and optimal aging.

Role of Elevated Lactate Levels on Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the elevated circulating lactate levels of individuals with metabolic syndrome are responsible for their reduced lipolysis and glucose tolerance. The investigators will conduct an intervention study in which blood lactate levels will be elevated via intravenous infusion of sodium lactate. State of the art metabolic assessment using stable isotopes and indirect calorimetry will be used to study alterations in fat and carbohydrate metabolism.

Duodenal ReCET for Suboptimally Controlled Type II Diabetes Mellitus and Steatotic Liver Disease

This study is designed to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of ReCET procedure in patients with T2DM and its effect on MASLD.

Metabolic Syndrome-Associated Periodontal Inflammatory Surface Area

This study aims to examine the potential of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a systemic, inflammatory disease, to influence the relationship between periodontal inflammatory surface area (PISA) and diabetes and obesity parameters. The primary question addressed by the study is: Can PISA be used as a significant parameter in the relationship between periodontal disease and MetS? In this context, the relationship between PISA and periodontal clinical parameters and serum parameters directly related to the diagnosis of MetS will be examined.

Use of a Mobile Application for Tracking Physical Activity in the Management of Metabolic Syndrome in Primary Care

This study will explore whether integrating a mobile app to track physical activity-recommended by family doctors during routine primary care visits-can help individuals with metabolic syndrome become more active. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: the intervention group will use the mobile app combined with an activity-tracking wristband; the control group will receive usual care without digital tools. Family doctors will introduce and support the use of the mobile app during standard consultations. The study will also assess physicians' perceptions of using digital technologies, such as mobile apps and telemedicine, to encourage physical activity. Researchers will monitor the frequency of app use, step counts and changes in physical activity habits over time. The primary goal is to determine whether digital health tools can be feasibly implemented in primary care to promote healthier lifestyles and improve chronic disease management in people with metabolic syndrome.

Impact of Metabolic Syndrome on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Rotator Cuff Injury

This prospective comparative study aims to investigate the effect of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) on the outcomes of a standardized rehabilitation program in patients with Rotator Cuff Injuries (RCI). Patients diagnosed with RCI will be divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of MetS, determined by NCEP-ATP III criteria. Both groups will receive the same 4-week physiotherapy protocol including hot pack, TENS, ultrasound, and therapeutic exercises. Pain intensity, pain threshold, muscle strength, kinesthesia, and shoulder functionality will be evaluated before and after treatment. The study hypothesizes that the presence of MetS negatively affects rehabilitation outcomes in patients with RCI by altering inflammation and tissue healing processes.

Efficacy of a Health Empowerment Theory Based Health Information Literacy Promotion Intervention in Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome

The ENRICH study is aimed to Enpower patieNts with metabolic syndrome (Mets) to increase their Risk perception and to acquire health Information necessary for Capability building and promotion of Health information literacy, as well as health outcomes. The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of this health information literacy promotion intervention based on Health Empowerment Theory in individuals with metabolic syndrome. The study aims to answer the following questions: Does the intervention improve health information literacy among study participants? Does the intervention lead to better health outcomes, including weight, waist circumference, BMI control, and metabolic health indicators (blood pressure, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and blood lipids)? Participants will: Undergo the intervention program for 6 weeks (face to face and online) and will be assessed regularly to monitor changes in terms of their level of health information literacy and health outcomes.

Validating Integrative Multi-omics Approaches in Metabolic Syndrome-related Diseases

This study aims to validate integrative multi-omics approaches for understanding complications related to metabolic syndrome. By combining genetic, transcriptomic, metabolomic, and microbiome data from participants with and without metabolic syndrome, the research seeks to determine which biological factors predict disease progression and how these insights can inform precision prevention and treatment strategies for metabolic disorders.

Norwegian Mental Illness Heart Health Study

Norwegian patients with severe mental illnesses (SMI), such as schizophrenia spectrum or bipolar disorder, lose on average 10 years of life compared to mentally healthy individuals. Much of this gap is due to heart disease. Unhealthy lifestyle habits, including poor diet and physical inactivity, contribute to higher levels of metabolic risk factors for heart disease in this population. The goal of this clinical trial is to find out if a lifestyle program including dietary counselling and regular physical exercise can help people with SMI to improve their physical and mental health. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does adherence to a healthy lifestyle program lead to reduced estimated risk of heart disease? * Does it change lifestyle habits, body weight and composition, and metabolic risk markers over six months? * Can participants with severe mental illness complete a healthy lifestyle program, and do they find it acceptable? Researchers will compare two groups: one that receives the lifestyle program in addition to regular mental health care, and one that receives regular care only. During the six month program, participants in the lifestyle group will: * Meet with a clinical dietitian once a month for dietary counselling * Take part in group-based physical activity sessions once a month, and receive support to follow a personal training plan Around 70 adults will take part in the study. The results may help improve the way lifestyle support is offered to people living with severe mental illness and inform health care providers about strategies to improve physical health in this vulnerable group.

Preliminary Effect of a Health Information Literacy Enhancement Program for Individuals With Metabolic Syndrome

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the preliminary effect of a health-information literacy promotion program for individuals with Metabolic Syndrome (including its subtypes) based on the Health Empowerment Theory. The study aims to answer the following questions: Does the intervention improve health information literacy among study participants? Does the intervention lead to better health outcomes, including weight, waist circumference, BMI control, and metabolic health indicators (blood pressure, blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and blood lipids)? Participants will: Undergo the intervention program for 6 weeks (face to face and online) and will be assessed regularly to monitor changes in their health information literacy and health outcomes.

Multi-omics Dissection of Gut Microbiome Engraftment During FMT

The gut microbiota plays a key role in immunity and metabolism and contributes to diseases such as recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI), ulcerative colitis (UC), and metabolic syndrome (MetS). Microbiota therapeutics, particularly fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), show promise-achieving \~90% cure rates in rCDI-but demonstrate variable efficacy in chronic conditions. Microbiome engraftment appears critical for FMT success, yet consistent predictors remain lacking. A meta-analysis of 20 FMT studies by our group and the Segata Lab linked engraftment to clinical response across diseases, with taxon-specific patterns and ML-based predictability. While viral, fungal, host immune, genetic, and metabolic factors may affect engraftment, their roles are not well-defined. Key unresolved questions include the interplay among host factors, microbial strains, and metabolites, their influence on engraftment, and impact on clinical outcomes. This study aims to unravel microbiome engraftment dynamics and link them to therapeutic response.