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Fish Oil and Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Risk

Not Applicable
Terminated
Conditions
Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Interventions
Dietary Supplement: Placebo
Dietary Supplement: fish oil
Registration Number
NCT00527436
Lead Sponsor
Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Brief Summary

Rationale Experimental data indicate an inverse relation between intake of omega-3 fatty acids ('fish oil'), primarily in the form of eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA), and risk of developing cardiovascular disease in healthy adults. Mechanisms underlying this cardioprotective effect are unknown but may involve favorable influences on various biomarkers of cardiovascular risk. In this project we will determine if these favorable effects of omega-3's occur in older healthy adults, as aging is a primary risk factor for cardiovascular disease development.

Key Objectives To determine the effect of chronic (12 week) oral omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in young and older adults. We hypothesize that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation will exert positive effects on biomarkers of cardiovascular risk.

Study Population Healthy young (18-40 years of age) and older (50-79) men and women.

Major Inclusion \& Exclusion Criteria Subjects must be healthy (as assessed by history and physical examination: non obese BMI\<30: normotensive BP \<140/90 mmHg) men and women not currently taking medications that could influence the results. Women must be non-pregnant. Normal liver enzymes (ALT and AST). Individuals with allergies to corn will be excluded.

Allocation to Groups Randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled.

Summary of Procedures Measurements will be made at baseline and repeated \~12 weeks after beginning daily oral ingestion of either low dose or high dose fish oil capsules or placebo

Detailed Description

N/A - withdrawn

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
TERMINATED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
3
Inclusion Criteria

Subjects must be healthy (as assessed by history and physical examination:

  • Non obese BMI<30: normotensive BP <140/90 mmHg) men and women not currently taking medications that could influence the results.
  • Women must be non-pregnant.
  • Normal liver enzymes (ALT and AST).
Exclusion Criteria
  • Individuals with allergies to corn will be excluded.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
PlaceboPlaceboPlacebo matched corn oil pill
Dietary Supplementfish oilFish oil pill
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Blood Pressureevery 2 weeks for a 12 week duration

Blood pressure will be measured using a cuff placed around the subject's upper arm as well as a small cuff placed on their finger.

Heart Rateevery two weeks for 12 week duration

Two-inch square adhesive patches will be used to monitor your heart rate

Aortic Blood Pressureevery two weeks, for a 12 week duration

Aortic Blood pressure will be measured non-invasively by pressing an ultrasound probe against an artery in the neck or wrist.

Brachial Artery Blood flow: After Nitroglycerin (0.4mg)every two weeks, for a 12 week duration

The blood flow into the subject's brachial artery will be measured non-invasively using an ultrasound probe after placing a pill containing nitroglycerin (0.4mg) under the tongue.

Microneurographyevery two weeks, for a 12 week duration

Two very fine, sterile nerve wires (micro-electrodes), thinner than a sewing needle, will be introduced through the skin into a nerve located just under the skin of the right leg. This procedure will measure nerve activity from the brain to the leg.

Arterial Pulse Wave Velocityevery two weeks, for a 12 week duration

The speed at which blood travels through arteries in the subject's torso will be measured non-invasively using Doppler Flow probes.

Brachial Artery Blood Flowevery two weeks, for a 12 week duration

The blood flow into the subject's brachial artery will be measured non-invasively using an ultrasound probe after deflation of a blood pressure cuff that previously had been inflated tightly on the upper forearm for a period of 5 minutes

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Blood Withdrawalevery two weeks, for a 12 week duration

An intravenous catheter will be inserted into veins near the elbow to collect blood for standard blood chemistry panel.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Penn State College of Medicine

🇺🇸

Hershey, Pennsylvania, United States

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