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Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Grapes in Humans at Risk for Cardiovascular Disease

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Obesity
Inflammation
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Grape powder, followed by placebo powder
Dietary Supplement: Placebo powder followed by grape powder
Registration Number
NCT01443884
Lead Sponsor
USDA, Western Human Nutrition Research Center
Brief Summary

The goal of the study is to determine whether grape consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the presence of inflammatory molecules and positively altering cholesterol levels, lipid profiles, and immune cell responses.

Detailed Description

Obese individuals are at high risk for the development of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Adipose tissue is a major source of pro-inflammatory molecules which can promote the development of atherosclerosis. Development of atherosclerotic plaques are mediated by oxidized or otherwise modified LDL cholesterol and infiltration of activated immune cells into the atherosclerotic lesions. Grapes contain high levels of polyphenols, a class of compounds known to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The overall goal of this proposal is to determine whether grape consumption can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by reducing the presence of inflammatory molecules and positively altering cholesterol levels, lipid profiles, and immune cell responses. Using a randomized cross-over design, twenty obese subjects will consume beverages containing either four servings of grape powder per day or the caloric equivalent without grape powder (placebo control) for a total of three weeks. After a two week washout period, the beverages will be switched for a further three weeks. Blood will be taken from each person at six intervals to determine lipid profiles, measure inflammatory markers in plasma, and analyze immune cell responsiveness.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
24
Inclusion Criteria
  • BMI 30 - 45 kg/m2
  • Commitment to the dietary intervention and scheduled testing
Exclusion Criteria
  • Subjects will be excluded from this study if their blood cell counts or blood chemistry profiles are outside of the normal range
  • smoking or use of tobacco products
  • drink more than one alcoholic beverage per day (1 oz. distilled liquor, 3 oz. wine, or 12 oz. beer)
  • taking cholesterol-lowering medications
  • taking steroids for asthma or other inflammatory states
  • taking thyroid-regulating drugs
  • taking over-the counter weight loss products

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Group 1Grape powder, followed by placebo powderAfter a 1 week baseline, volunteers will consume two packets of grape powder stirred into water for three weeks. Each packet will contain the equivalent of approximately 2 servings of fresh grapes (46 grams of powder). Following a two week washout period, volunteers will cross-over to a placebo powder.
Group 2Placebo powder followed by grape powderAfter a 1 week baseline, volunteers will consume two packets of placebo powder stirred into water for three weeks. Following a two week washout period, volunteers will cross-over to grape powder for three weeks.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in inflammatory mediators in serum0, 1, 3, 4, 8, and 9 weeks

C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-a), and soluble adhesion molecules (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) will be measured.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in lipid particle size and quantity0, 1, 3, 4, 8 and 9 weeks

Lipid particle size will be measured using NMR spectroscopy, inlcuding chylomicrons, six VLDL subpopulations, IDL, three LDL subpopulations, and five HDL subpopulations.

CHange in activation and proliferation of T lymphocytes0, 1, 3, 4, 8 and 9 weeks

Activation and proliferative responses of T lymphocytes will be measured to determine if grape consumption alters immune cell responsiveness. Proliferative responses will be measured using flow cytometry.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

USDA, ARS, Western Human Nutrition Research Center

🇺🇸

Davis, California, United States

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