Clinical Research Directory

EFFECTS OF A YERBA MATE EXTRACT IN REDUCING METABOLIC SYNDROME IN OVERWEIGHT INDIVIDUALS

Yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis), a traditional drink consumed in different parts of the word, but especially in southern Brazil, is an importante source of polyphenols and has a high antioxidant potencial, With a moderate content of methylxanthines, yerba mate has stood out for its promising effects in modulating metabolic pathways in pre-clinical models. However, its beneficial effets in clinical trials have yet to be elucidated. Overweight and chronic non-communicable diases are urgent public health conditions and reducing the risk of these conditions through food sources is one of the most sustainable approaches. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a standardized extract of yerba mate on nutritional, biochemical, metabolic, inflammatory and antioxidant status parameters in overweight individuals compared to a placebo. A double-blind, parallel, randomized, placebo- controlled clinical trial will be conducted involving 80 overweight individuals. The subjects will receive an encapsulated yerba mate extract totaling 2,250 mg or a corresponding placebo, fractionated three times a day. This amount was defined according to previous studies thet estimated the habitual intake of yerba mate in the form of chimarrão or tererê by adults in a city in the southern region of the country. Anthropometric measurements, composition, blood pressure and blod and stool samples will be collected for nutritional assessment, metabolic and inflammatory parameters and antioxidant status assessment on days 0 and 90. The data will be analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Differences in the individuals characteristics at baseline and comparisons between groups will be aseessed using the difference of means test (depending on the normality of the data) and chi-square or Fisher-s exact test for categorical variabes, In addition, to compare the effect of the intervention between the groups, a two-way analysis of covariance will be used. A 5% significance level will be adopted. It is expect to find positive effects of yerba mate extract on the parameters assessed.

Cerebral Hemodynamic Effects of Oxygen and Antioxidants (CHEOXANT)

This study is called CHE-OX-ANT (Cerebral Hemodynamic Effects of Oxygen and Antioxidants). It is a single-center, academic research project led by the Department of Intensive Care at Erasme Hospital (Université Libre de Bruxelles). The study focuses on understanding how the brain and blood vessels react when a person breathes pure oxygen and how these effects may be influenced by giving vitamin C, an antioxidant. Oxygen is one of the most common treatments in hospitals. While it can be life-saving, too much oxygen may sometimes cause harmful effects, such as oxidative stress (an imbalance between damaging molecules called free radicals and the body's defenses). Antioxidants like vitamin C may help counteract these effects. The goal of the study is to examine how a short period of high oxygen (30 minutes of 100% oxygen through a mask) affects cerebral hemodynamics, microcirculation, microperfusion, blood markers (levels of oxidative stress, antioxidant activity, and microparticles). The study will also test whether giving vitamin C beforehand changes these responses compared to a placebo (saline solution). Each volunteer will participate in two sessions, one week apart. Before each session, participants will receive either vitamin C (given intravenously) or a placebo (saline). They will not know which one they receive. Then, they will breathe 100% oxygen for 30 minutes through a facial mask. Measurements will be taken at three times: before oxygen (t0), just after oxygen (t1), and 1 hour later (t2). These include: ultrasound of the brain's blood flow (transcranial Doppler), measurements of skin perfusion and blood samplings.

Hyaluronic Acid as an Adjunct to Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy in Smokers

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether hyaluronic acid (HA) improves periodontal healing in people with periodontal disease who smoke. Moreover, the effects of HA on biomolecules and bacteria levels will be assesed during the follow up period. The main questions it will answer are: Will periodontal sites treated with HA gel after non-surgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) lead to better outcomes in clinical parameters compared to the sites treated with NSPT only in smokers? Will adjunctive use of HA gel reduce oxidative stress markers and bacteria levels during follow-up? Researchers will compare periodontal sites receiving NSPT with adjunctive HA gel application to sites receiving NSPT alone to determine whether HA provides additional clinical, biochemical and microbiological benefits. Participants will: * first receive full-mouth NSPT then, randomization will be performed in selected jaw to determine the test sites. These two interproximal test sites will additionally receive HA gel application. * attend follow-up visits at 1, 3 and 6 months for clinical periodontal measurements and to provide gingival crevicular fluid samples (GCF) and subgingival samples. The GCF samples will be evaluted for Metallothionein (MT) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels and subgingival samples for periodontal pathogens.

Red Propolis Supplementation as a Strategy in Chronic Kidney Disease

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of red propolis on inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with chronic kidney disease on conservative management.

Effects of Royal Jelly Supplementation in Chronic Kidney Disease

The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of royal jelly on inflammation and cellular senescence in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on hemodialysis (HD).

Effects of Brazil Nut Supplementation in Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing Conservative Treatment

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of Brazil nut supplementation on inflammation, oxidative stress and intestinal microbiota in patients with chronic kidney disease undergoing conservative treatment.

Reduction of Exposure, Inflammation, and Oxidative Stress Following at Least 2 Years of Switching to THS Use Compared to Cigarette Smoking

This is a cross-sectional 3-group study with subjects enrolled and matched by region (Asia, Europe), age, sex, and average daily product consumption over the last 2 years as self-reported. The study will be conducted as a multi-center and multi-regional study.

Effects of Anesthesia Technique on Endothelial Function

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two different anesthesia methods, general anesthesia and infraclavicular block, on oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction in upper extremity forearm operations.This prospective study aims to determine the ideal anesthesia method for patients undergoing upper extremity forearm surgeries under tourniquet by comparing general anesthesia and infraclavicular block applications in terms of oxidative stress and ED related to ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Impact of Ganoderma Lucidum on NRF2 Levels and Antioxidant Status in Metabolic Asscociated Fatty Liver Disease (GL-MAFLD-NRF2 Study)

This RCT investigates the impact of Ganoderma lucidum on antioxidant staus, NRF2 levels and lipid metabolism in individuals with Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Targeting Oxidative Stress to Prevent Vascular and Skeletal Muscle Dysfunction During Disuse

Prolonged periods of reduced activity are associated with decreased vascular function and muscle atrophy. Physical inactivity due to acute hospitalization is also associated with impaired recovery, hospital readmission, and increased mortality. Older adults are a particularly vulnerable population as functional (vascular and skeletal muscle mitochondrial dysfunction) and structural deficits (loss in muscle mass leading to a reduction in strength) are a consequence of the aging process. The combination of inactivity and aging poses an added health threat to these individuals by accelerating the negative impact on vascular and skeletal muscle function and dysfunction. The underlying factors leading to vascular and skeletal muscle dysfunction are unknown, but have been linked to increases in oxidative stress. Additionally, there is a lack of understanding of how vascular function is impacted by inactivity in humans and how these changes are related to skeletal muscle function. It is our goal to investigate the mechanisms that contribute to disuse muscle atrophy and vascular dysfunction in order to diminish their negative impact, and preserve vascular and skeletal muscle function across all the lifespan.

Mediterranean Diet and Oxidative Stress in Type 1 Diabetes (MEDOX-T1D)

Achieving optimal glycemic control in type 1 diabetes requires a holistic approach that includes individualized medical nutrition therapy in addition to appropriate insulin therapy. When diabetes is poorly managed, metabolic control is impaired. Hyperglycemic events increase oxidative stress in the body and can lead to complications. The aim of this study is to examine the effect of a 12-week Mediterranean diet on oxidative stress markers in children with type 1 diabetes who do not meet the metabolic target (HbA1c \> 7%) and whose adherence to the Mediterranean diet is "poor" and "needs improvement". The study, planned between March 2026 and March 2027, will be conducted with girls aged 10-18 years with type 1 diabetes who are followed up at the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University. In the first phase, participants were divided into groups based on their HbA1c levels: those with HbA1c ≤ 7 met the metabolic target (Group A); Those with HbA1c \> 7 will be divided into two groups: those not meeting the metabolic target (Group B). In the second stage, the intervention group will be determined according to the results of the KIDMED, the pediatric Mediterranean diet adherence scale. Those in Group B who did not meet the metabolic targets and those with "poor" and "need improvement" KIDMED results will form the intervention group (Group C). Adolescents in Group C will receive a 12-week Mediterranean diet intervention. Information will be collected from participants using questionnaires, scales, and experimental methods. This includes completing the 'Personal Information Form', 'Biochemical Parameters Form', '3-Day Nutrition Questionnaire', 'KIDMED scale', and 'Sensor Data Form'. The obtained data will be analyzed both individually and before-and-after using SPSS 26. The findings are expected to show improvement in OS markers in the intervention group. Improvement in glycemic control markers is also predicted. A decrease in HbA1c levels, a reduction in blood sugar fluctuations, and an increase in the duration of staying within the target range are expected. This study is expected to contribute to the literature by revealing the effects of the Mediterranean diet on oxidative stress and metabolic control parameters in type 1 diabetes. It is anticipated that the findings will support the potential role of dietary approaches with antioxidant properties not only in glycemic control but also in oxidative stress levels and long-term complication risks.

Little Cigar Oxidants

Determine the effects of little cigars on human exposure to tobacco smoke oxidants. In a balanced randomized cross-over study design in cigarette smokers, subjects will be assigned to 3 exposure groups. These include a high oxidant little cigar exposure condition, a low oxidant little cigar exposure condition, and their usual cigarette. Biological samples will be collected before and after product usage.

DIEP Flap Breast Reconstruction: Perioperative Biomarkers and Outcomes

Brief Summary This observational study will follow patients who undergo DIEP flap breast reconstruction to better understand a common surgical challenge called ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. I/R injury can happen when a flap has a period without blood flow (ischemia) and then blood flow returns (reperfusion). This process may trigger inflammation and oxidative stress and is associated with fat necrosis or partial flap loss. 1\. What is being studied 1. The investigators will measure inflammation and oxidative stress markers in blood (for example, interleukin-6 \[IL-6\]) from before surgery through the first 72 hours after surgery. 2. These data will help map the normal and abnormal patterns of recovery after surgery and may inform future approaches to monitoring and protecting flap tissue. 3. No experimental drug or device is given to participants in this study. Separate animal studies are developing a near-infrared imaging and antioxidant nanomaterial (Mn/QD-SAC); this is not used in participants here. 2\. Who can take part 1. Women aged 18-70 scheduled for immediate DIEP flap breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery. 2. Key exclusions include severe heart, liver, or kidney disease; significant clotting problems; active infection or autoimmune disease; long-term use of immunosuppressants/anti-inflammatory drugs; pregnancy or breastfeeding; or other reasons judged by the research team. 3\. What will happen if you join 1. After providing informed consent, participants will have blood drawn at five time points: pre-operative baseline (within 24 hours before surgery) and at 0, 6, 24, and 72 hours after surgery (about 10 mL each time; total \~50 mL). 2. Blood will be processed and stored under secure conditions and tested for inflammation and oxidative stress markers. 3. The investigators will also record routine clinical information from the medical record (such as age, BMI, surgery duration, ischemia time, and clinical assessments of flap outcomes and complications). 4. Participation does not change the participant's clinical care before, during, or after surgery. 4\. Risks and benefits 1. Risks are those of standard blood draws: brief pain, bruising, bleeding, dizziness, and rare infection. 2. There is no direct medical benefit to participants. Results may help improve understanding and future care for patients undergoing flap reconstruction. 5\. Privacy and data protection 1. Samples and data will be coded without names. Identifying information is stored separately with restricted access. 2. Research results are not routinely added to the medical record or returned to participants unless a finding has clear, actionable clinical significance and is approved by the ethics committee. 6\. Time commitment and costs 1. All blood draws occur during the routine hospital stay. There is no additional follow-up required after discharge. 2. There is no cost to participate. 7\. Voluntary participation Joining the study is voluntary. Participants may withdraw at any time without affecting their medical care.

Wild Blueberries for Gut, Brain, and Heart Health in Adults With High Blood Pressure

The purpose of the study is to determine the effectiveness of wild blueberries on cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and gut microbiota composition in non-Hispanic Black and White adults with elevated blood pressure.

Wild Blueberries for Gut, Brain, and Cardiometabolic Health in Prediabetes

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effectiveness of using a freeze-dried wild blueberry powder on cardiometabolic health, cognitive function, and gut microbiota composition in adult women with prediabetes.

Obesity and Aging: Impacts of Nutritional Counseling and Physical Exercise on Telomeres and Senescence Parameters

The study will involve 80 elderly women, 40 eutrophic and 40 obese, divided into four groups, each with n=20. 1) Eutrophic Group (EG) undergoing only nutritional counseling (NC), 2) Eutrophic Group with NC and combined training (CT), 3) Obese Group (OG) undergoing only NC, and 4) Obese Group with NC and CT. The study will be divided into two main phases: an initial 9-week phase dedicated to NC, followed by a 20-week CT phase.

Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Gaucher Disease

The objective of this study is to evaluate oxidative stress and/or inflammation in patients with Gaucher disease type I using a series of biomarkers and correlate with measurements of currently used diagnostic biomarkers.

Effect of Daily Intake of Gazpacho on Semen Quality and Oxidative Stress

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether drinking a daily serving of gazpacho can improve semen quality in men with reduced sperm quality. The study will also examine how this dietary intervention affects oxidative stress and whether it is well tolerated. The main questions this study aims to answer are: * Does daily consumption of gazpacho improve semen quality in men with altered semen parameters? * Does this dietary intervention affect levels of oxidative stress in semen? * Is daily gazpacho intake feasible and well tolerated as part of a Mediterranean diet? Researchers will compare a Mediterranean diet plus daily gazpacho intake with a Mediterranean diet alone to determine whether adding gazpacho provides additional benefits for male reproductive health. Participants will: * Follow a standardized Mediterranean diet for 12 weeks * Drink 330 mL of gazpacho every day or follow the diet without gazpacho * Provide semen samples at the start of the study and after 12 weeks * Complete a short diary to record adherence to the dietary intervention * Be followed for up to 18 months to record reproductive outcomes

Effect of Ginger Capsules on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Endothelial Function

Randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed and conducted to evaluate the effect of daily consumption of ginger, on parameters related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial damage in adults with excess adiposity.

Effect of a Ginger-Based Beverage on Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Endothelial Function

Randomized, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled clinical trial designed and conducted to evaluate the effect of daily consumption of ginger, on parameters related to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial damage in adults with excess adiposity.

Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, characterized by persistent airflow limitation, chronic inflammation, and increased oxidative stress. Despite optimal pharmacological treatment, many patients continue to experience symptoms, reduced exercise capacity, and frequent exacerbations. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an evidence-based, non-pharmacological intervention that improves symptoms, functional capacity, quality of life, and survival in patients with COPD; however, its biological effects on inflammatory and oxidative stress pathways remain insufficiently defined. This study aims to evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in patients with stable COPD. Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-6 \[IL-6\], tumor necrosis factor alpha \[TNF-α\]) and the epithelial alarmin interleukin-33 (IL-33), which is released in response to airway epithelial injury, as well as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF-2) gene and/or protein expression as a key regulator of antioxidant defense, will be measured before and after a standardized pulmonary rehabilitation program. By assessing changes in these biomarkers, this study seeks to determine whether pulmonary rehabilitation exerts disease-modifying effects beyond symptomatic improvement and functional outcomes. The findings are expected to provide novel insights into the biological mechanisms of pulmonary rehabilitation and to support its role as a targeted, cost-effective intervention in the comprehensive management of COPD.

Environmental Exposure to Heavy Metals, Nanoparticles, and Emergent Contaminants and Risk of Allergic Diseases

The goal of this clinical trial is to collect environmental, bio-humoral, and clinical data derived from patients with allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and systemic metal allergic syndromes related to the exposure to heavy metals, nanoparticles, and emergent contaminants and from healthy subjects. The main question it aims to answer is: are environmental, bio-humoral, and clinical data derived from patients with ACD and systemic metal allergic syndromes, related to the exposure to heavy metals, nanoparticles, and emergent contaminants, different from ones obtained by healthy subjects? Researchers will compare serum and urine concentration of heavy metals and nanoparticles, patch test to metals, within-breath analysis of oscillometry parameters, serum zonulin, and serum levels of protein oxidation products among patients with systemic allergic syndrome (1st study group), patients with ACD (2nd study group) and healthy subjects (3rd study group). Participants will undergo: * measurement of exposure to heavy metals and nanoparticles including nickel, cobalt, chromium, palladium, molybdenum, aluminium, and copper, through serum and urine measurement of concentration. * Patch test to before mentioned metals. * Within-breath analysis of oscillometry parameters. * Measurement of serum zonulin (related to gastro-intestinal exposure). * Measurement of serum levels of protein oxidation products (as markers of systemic oxidative stress).

Acute Effect of Apple Cider Vinegar on Postprandial Plasma Malondialdehyde in Adult With Obesity

Research on the benefits of apple cider vinegar has tended to focus on its hypoglycemic effects and lipid profile changes during long-term consumption, without exploring its acute effects on oxidative stress during short-term consumption. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether apple cider vinegar consumption affects postprandial plasma MDA levels in obese adults. The hypothesis of this study is that apple cider vinegar consumption has an acute effect on changes in postprandial plasma MDA levels in obese adult subjects. Subject criteria are adults aged 19-59 years; obese nutritional status; based on a BMI of ≥ 25.0 kg/m² (according to the Asia-Pacific classification); in good general health. Exclusion criteria include pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause; consuming alcohol; intolerance to apple cider vinegar or fermented products. This preliminary study, a parallel, randomized, open-label, controlled clinical trial, compared two groups: a control group receiving a standard diet without apple cider vinegar, and an intervention group receiving a standard diet with a single dose of apple cider vinegar.

Chardonnay Marc and Vascular Response

This study aims to obtain data on the potential influence of Vine to Bar product(s) containing Chardonnay marc on cardiometabolic health. These initial studies will inform the design and timing of data collection for future dietary intervention trials that will examine the influence of Chardonnay marc intake on outcomes/biomarkers of both cardiometabolic health and the gut microbiome. This includes collecting data on the potential differences in response to the products based on the unique food matrix for each of the products that will be tested. Moreover, as there is a paucity of data on the influence of cocoa flavanol intake on vascular function beyond 4 hours post intake, the response of the selected outcomes will be assessed after 6 hours of flavanol intake. This is a time point that captures the increased circulating presence of microbial derived flavanol metabolites.