Obesity, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Phase 3

Completed

• Conditions: Inflammation; Oxidative Stress; C-reactive Protein; Obesity
• Interventions: Dietary Supplement: Placebo tablet; Dietary Supplement: Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)

• Registration Number: NCT01028976
• Lead Sponsor: University of California, Berkeley

Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether or not Vitamin C (1000 mg/day) can reduce markers of inflammation, especially C-reactive protein (CRP), in obese persons with baseline CRP greater than 1 mg/dl.

Detailed Description

The long-term objective of this project is to identify nutritional factors that can reduce the inflammatory component of obesity. Therapies to minimize obesity-related comorbidities are needed, and targeting inflammation may help slow the progression of obesity towards cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance.

Adipose tissue is a source of inflammatory cytokines, and obesity is now viewed as a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state. Inflammation itself is a contributor to the chronic diseases associated with obesity. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key marker of inflammation, and as a downstream marker it provides functional integration of upstream cytokine activation associated with inflammation. We have previously shown that vitamin C, but not vitamin E, reduces CRP in active and passive smokers and in nonsmokers. The reduction is seen primarily in persons with CRP ≥1.0 mg/L, the CDC threshold for elevated cardiovascular disease risk. We also found that 75% of obese nonsmokers had CRP ≥1.0 mg/L.

The important observation of reduction in elevated CRP by vitamin C now needs to be confirmed in a rigorous study with adequate sample size, to permit justifiable conclusions about the potential usefulness of this agent in reducing inflammation in the obese. We will conduct a placebo-controlled, randomized trial in 552 healthy obese individuals with moderate CRP elevations (CRP ≥1.0 mg/L). Participants will be randomized to either 1000 mg/day vitamin C or placebo for a period of 2 months. We will also characterize the pathways through which this effect takes place by measuring cytokines and oxidative stress.

This project is important because if our previous finding is confirmed in this population, it could offer a low-cost alternative to use of statins to reduce inflammation in persons without other risk factors.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2009-12-08
• Study First Submitted QC: 2009-12-08
• Study First Posted: 2009-12-09
• Study Start: 2010-01
• Primary Completion: 2012-07
• Study Completion: 2012-07
• Status Verified: 2015-11
• Last Update Submitted: 2015-11-30
• Last Update Posted: 2015-12-02

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 512

Inclusion Criteria

• BMI ≥ 30
• hsCRP ≥ 1 mg/L
• Age 18+
• Member of Kaiser Permanente Health Plan of Northern California

Exclusion Criteria

• Smoker
• Unwilling to discontinue vitamin supplements for study duration
• Unwilling/unable to use acetaminophen in place of OTC anti-inflammatory medications
• Use of certain medications
• History of certain medical conditions

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Placebo	Placebo tablet	Two tablets, daily, for 8 weeks
Vitamin C	Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)	Two tablets, daily, for 8 weeks

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
high-sensitivity C-reactive protein	After 8 weeks of intervention

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
CRP-related markers of inflammation and oxidative stress, including cytokines and F2-isoprostanes.	After 8 weeks of intervention.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, Division of Research; 🇺🇸 Oakland, California, United States