Clinical Research Directory

Probiotic Impact on Cognitive Performance, and Metabolic Outcomes in Overweight Young Adults With Impaired Glucose Regulation

This 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will examine whether daily supplementation with the Lab4P probiotic can improve cognitive performance and metabolic health in overweight adults aged 18 to 40 with impaired glucose tolerance, a preclinical condition where blood glucose regulation is mildly disrupted. Seventy participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Lab4P or a placebo. The study will assess changes in memory, executive function, and processing speed, along with blood glucose control, cardiovascular function, cholesterol levels, body composition, and markers of inflammation. The study will also analyse changes in the gut microbiome and evaluate the safety and tolerability of the probiotic.

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.

Intervention Effects on Health Promoting Behaviors and Factors Influencing Long-Term Behavior Change

This study aims to compare the 8-week virtual Healthy YOU Program with a standard care intervention that sends weekly nutrition and healthy living tips via email. It will evaluate short- and long-term changes in health behaviors, such as diet, physical activity, biomarkers, and body composition. The study also seeks to identify factors that help participants make lasting health changes and explore how lifestyle interventions can improve overall health. Findings may guide future programs and support non-weight-focused approaches to chronic disease management and healthcare policy.

Investigation of the Efficacy of a Probiotic Mixture in Moderate Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A Mechanistic Trial

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether a specific probiotic mixture can improve liver health in adults with moderate metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). The main questions it aims to answer are: Can the probiotics improve liver fat and stiffness as measured by non-invasive imaging (FibroScan® CAP and FAST scores)? Does the probiotic affect other health markers like cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation, and gut bacteria? Researchers will compare people taking the probiotic to those taking a placebo (a capsule with no active ingredients) to see if the probiotic has beneficial effects. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to take either the probiotic or placebo daily for 6 months. Attend 3 study visits (at the start, 3 months, and 6 months). Provide blood and stool samples. Undergo liver scans (FibroScan®). Complete a health and nutrition questionnaire. This study includes adults aged 18-65 with moderate MASLD and certain metabolic health conditions. Participants must not be pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications or supplements that could interfere with the study.

Pistachio Snacking and Metabolic Flexibility

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of pistachio snacking on metabolic flexibility (at rest, during exercise, and in post-exercise recovery) in healthy overweight and obese adults. Secondary goals include evaluating effects on changes in diet quality, sleep characteristics, physical activity, and hormonal health in women. In randomized order, participants will complete four days of pistachio snacking and four days of normal dietary habits (control). For both conditions, primary outcomes of resting substrate metabolism, metabolic flexibility during exercise, and post-exercise substrate metabolism will be measured pre-post intervention via indirect calorimetry. Secondary outcome of diet quality (kcal, carb, fat, protein) will be measured pre-post intervention via diet log. Exploratory outcomes of daily physical activity (steps, intensity), nightly sleep characteristics (quantity, quality, latency, efficiency), and daytime sleepiness and hunger.

Redox Status and Exercise Training-induced Adaptations

Excess fat accumulation is a key feature of overweight and obesity that is mainly driven by nutrient overload and insufficient physical activity. White adipose tissue displays lipid overload and hypertrophy accompanied by macrophages infiltration, hypoxia, inflammation and excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An inflammatory response and ROS production are also evident in other metabolism regulating tissues and organs such as skeletal muscle, liver, pancreas and hypothalamus, contributing to a chronic inflammatory state, redox status disturbances and metabolic complications. There is overwhelming evidence showing that adults with overweight/obesity exhibit lower glutathione (GSH) levels in blood erythrocytes, skeletal muscle cells and subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue cells. GSH, a tripeptide consisting of the amino acids glutamate, cysteine and glycine, is the most abundant thiol-containing antioxidant in the human body and has been, recently, characterized as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of numerous chronic diseases, due to its potent intracellular redox buffering capacity. Interestingly, lower GSH levels have been associated with diet-induced weight loss resistance, while enhancement of GSH levels through N-acetylcysteine (NAC) supplementation reduces markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, hypertension, endothelia dysfunction and improves vitamin D metabolism. NAC is a thiol donor that elicits antioxidant effects by (i) directly scavenging ROS and (ii) providing reduced cysteine through deacetylation, which supports the biosynthesis of endogenous GSH via the activity of γ-glutamylcysteine synthase. The aim of this study is to investigate whether NAC supplementation can enhance the exercise training-induced improvements on physical fitness and metabolic health in adult men and women with overweight/obesity.

Follow up Study of Varapodio Trial: Effect of Longevity and Fasting Mimicking Diet on Risk Factors Age Correlated and Biomarkers of Aging

A large ongoing randomized, open-label trial aimed at evaluating the effects of two different dietary interventions, FMD and LD, on body composition and cardiovascular (CV) biomarkers in a real word population (NCT05698654) is actually ongoing. This trial started in January 2024 will enrol 501 adult subjects between the ages of 30 and 65: 167 subjects randomized to the FMD arm with a 5-day meal program once every three months for a 6-month period (arm 1); 167 subjects randomized to follow the FMD plus a Longevity Diet program (FMD+LD) for a 6-month period (arm 2); 167 randomized to the control group (arm 3) that will continue their usual diet. On 2024,410, participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to FMD, FMD + LD, or control arm. Although preliminary data demonstrated the beneficial effects of such nutritional plans on body weight, BMI, body composition, and cardiovascular (CV) biomarkers, limited data is available on the long-term effects of these powerful nutritional interventions.

FastForward: A Prospective Analysis of Long-term Fasting and Subsequent Food Reintroduction in Humans

This study explores what happens in the body and wellbeing during and after a period of long-term fasting. At the Buchinger Wilhelmi Clinic, participants follow a medically supervised fasting program lasting five or more days, followed by a structured food reintroduction phase. The study observes participants over time to better understand how fasting and the return to eating affect weight, metabolism, nutrition habits, and overall well-being. All participants will complete online questionnaires during the fasting phase and for up to three months afterward. These surveys help track changes in lifestyle, mood, and health. In addition during the first two weeks after fasting ends participants wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track blood sugar levels in real time, use a mobile app to document meals with photos, and perform simple at-home blood tests using dried blood spot (DBS) kits. By combining digital tools with personal reports and at home tests, the study aims to gain a clearer picture of how the body adapts after a prolonged fast. The goal is to better understand the short- and medium-term effects of extended fasting on metabolism, diet, and well-being-and to provide practical guidance for those interested in fasting as a health practice.

L. Acidophilus (Strain TW01) on Gut Health, Body Composition, and Inflammation

This is a pilot research study to investigate the effects of a probiotic supplement (L. acidophilus, strain TW01) on substances found in the stool and bloodstream, gut bacteria composition, body composition, as well as any relationship of these substances with markers of inflammation. Lactobacillus acidophilus is commonly found in a variety of fermented foods, including yogurt, cheese, and kefir, due to its ability to produce lactic acid and other substances. This bacterium is generally well-tolerated in healthy individuals and has a longstanding history of safe use. The investigators are doing this pilot study to see if a particular probiotic, called L. acidophilus (strain TW01) and isolated from fermented coffee grounds, can make a positive difference in human gut and overall health. Specifically, the investigators want to look at how this probiotic affects certain substances in human stool and blood, the makeup of the bacteria in the gut, and aspects of body composition. The investigators are also interested in whether these changes relate to markers of inflammation, which can tell us more about their impact on overall health. This probiotic strain has been shown in other studies to be safe and well tolerated, and the investigators hope our research will help us better understand how it works and whether it might support health in humans.

Ice Cream Enriched With Cimarrón Bean Extrudate and Cardiovascular Risk in Adults

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the chronic effects of consuming a functional ice cream enriched with Cimarrón bean (Phaseolus vulgaris local variety Cimarrón) extrudate in adults with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does chronic daily consumption of the functional ice cream with Cimarrón bean extrudate improve fasting glucose, insulin, lipid profile, and other cardiovascular risk markers? Researchers will compare a functional ice cream containing 10 g of extrudate per100 g to a placebo version without extrudate, using a crossover design in which participants consume both versions for 4 weeks each, separated by a 3-week washout period to determine metabolic responses. Participants will: * Attend clinical visits in fasting conditions at the beginning and end of each 4-week intervention to provide blood samples for glucose, insuli, lipid profile, complete blood count plus Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and HbA1c assessment. * Undergo anthroprometric measurements and blood pressure assessment at the beginning and end of each 4-week intervention. * Consume 100g/day of the assigned ice cream during each phase (Two phases)

SMART Pilot Trial of Glycemic Screening Outreach

Approximately 130 million Americans have prediabetes or type 2 diabetes (T2D) but remain unscreened and/or unaware of their diagnosis. While prediabetes/T2D screening, also known as glycemic screening, is endorsed in national guidelines, there is almost no research on how to increase screening rates, or evaluations of interventions testing the effectiveness of screening promotion strategies. The American Medical Association has published prediabetes quality measures that apply to UCLA Health as well as all other health systems, specifically tracking the percentage of adult patients with risk factors for T2D due for glycemic screening for whom the screening process was initiated. However, there is no current systemic effort underway at UCLA, or most other health systems, to encourage glycemic screening. We are proposing a pilot trial of the first SMART (Sequential Multiple Assignment Randomized Trial) for glycemic screening. Our SMART experiment will provide preliminary feasibility and acceptability data for a larger, multisite trial that will provide vital guidance to optimize screening approaches for a growing number of screening-eligible patients so that they may seek earlier detection, treatment, and/or access to lifestyle programs and interventions for T2D or prediabetes.

Prevent and Reverse Obesity in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

Obesity and overweight are non-communicable diseases with an increasing incidence in children, adolescents, and adults. International efforts to reverse the current epidemiological trend of rising overweight, obesity, and related diseases have so far been insufficient to achieve this goal. Therefore, a change in strategy-both at the individual and public health levels-is urgently needed. Searching the litterature, there are currently no studies employing a comprehensive, personalized, and multi-level strategy to induce stable changes in dietary and lifestyle habits, while also conducting careful follow-up of outcomes and exploring the pathogenic mechanisms affecting metabolic pathways, pro-inflammatory and systemic conditions, and intestinal permeability in overweight and obese patients. Evidence shows the beneficial effects of specific dietary patterns (e.g., the Mediterranean Diet) and a healthy lifestyle in reducing body/organ fat accumulation. However, a comprehensive evaluation of their effects-particularly following personalized strategies and careful follow-up-on the pathogenic mechanisms influencing cardiovascular and metabolic risk, pro-inflammatory status, and intestinal permeability in the medium-to-long term is still lacking.

Mapping Obesity-related Subtypes And Interconnected Clusters

In the Netherlands, about half of all adults are currently living with overweight. This number is expected to rise to as much as 64% by the year 2050, especially among younger adults aged 18 to 44. Overweight and obesity increase the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and joint problems. However, there is no single cause behind these issues. Instead, they result from a complex combination of factors - including nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress, income, environment, and even air quality. These factors often influence each other and vary from person to person. This study aims to better understand these patterns and connections. By analyzing large sets of data, researchers are identifying different subtypes of people with overweight or obesity. These subtypes reflect groups of individuals who share similar personal, lifestyle, and environmental characteristics. Understanding these differences makes it possible to develop more personalized lifestyle advice and support. That way, care and prevention efforts can be better tailored to what people actually need and what works best for them in practice. Experts from various fields are helping interpret the results, so that scientific insights can be translated into practical solutions for individuals, communities, and healthcare settings.

Impact of Protein Supplementation and Resistance Training on Body Composition, Functional Parameters, Metabolic Adaptation, and Nitrogen Balance in Adults Aged 45 Years and Older With Overweight or Obesity Receiving Incretin-based Medications

This study aim to evaluate the effects of protein supplements and resistance training on body composition, functional parameters, metabolic adaptation, and nitrogen balance in adults (aged ≥45 years) with overweight/obesity receiving weekly Incretin-Based obesity management medication treatment for 6 months. A parallel design, open-label, multicenter randomized controlled trial will be conducted among 240 patients (aged ≥45 years) initiating Incretin-Based obesity management medication. Participants will be recruited through obesity clinics at the Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and the Tel-Aviv Assuta Medical Center, obesity clinics of HMOs, and social media groups. They will be randomly assigned to one of two groups in a 1:1 ratio: protein supplements ('Easy Whey' 25 gr protein/day) plus weekly resistance training and no intervention. Data will be collected at baseline, 3, and 6 months, including demographics, medical status, body composition, functional parameters, resting metabolic rate, nitrogen balance, and physical activity performance. All participants will be advised to follow an exercise regime, a reduced-calorie diet based on the principle of the Mediterranean eating pattern and be encouraged to follow a regular meeting schedule with a registered dietitian.

The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Anthropometric Measurements, Eating Attitudes, and Cardiometabolic Index in Overweight and Obese Patients

The Effect of Motivational Interviewing on Anthropometric Measurements, Eating Attitudes, and Cardiometabolic Index in Overweight and Obese Patients