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The Health Effects of Blueberry Anthocyanins in Metabolic Syndrome (the CIRCLES-study)

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Metabolic Syndrome X
Insulin Resistance
Registration Number
NCT02035592
Lead Sponsor
University of East Anglia
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine the dose-dependent impact of 6 month freeze-dried blueberry powder intake on insulin sensitivity and resistance, cardiovascular disease risk factors, and lung and cognitive function in overweight and obese participants with metabolic syndrome. We will also examine acute post-prandial effects of blueberry intake (at baseline and at 6-months).

Detailed Description

Not available

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
144
Inclusion Criteria
  • Men and postmenopausal women (≥ 1 year since last menstruation)
  • 50 to 75 years old
  • BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2
  • 3 characteristics of metabolic syndrome i.e: Waist circumference ≥ 102 cm for men, ≥ 88 cm for women; Triglycerides ≥ 1.7 mmol/L (or drug treatment for elevated triglycerides); HDL-cholesterol < 1.0 mmol/L for men, < 1.3 mmol/L for women (or drug treatment for low HDL-cholesterol); Blood pressure ≥ 130 mm Hg systolic and/or ≥ 85 mm Hg diastolic blood pressure; Fasting blood glucose ≥ 5.56 mmol/L
  • Successful biochemical, haematological and urinalysis assessment at screening
Exclusion Criteria
  • Current smokers, or ex-smokers ceasing < 6 months ago
  • Existing or significant past medical history of vascular disease or medical conditions likely to affect the study measures
  • Fructose intolerance or known allergies to the intervention treatments
  • On therapeutic diets or having experienced substantial weight loss within 3 months of screening
  • Taking flavonoid containing supplements (and unwilling to cease intake during, and 1 month preceding the trial)
  • Planning on altering consumption of vitamin supplements / fish oil capsules during the course of the study.
  • Prescribed hypoglycaemic, vasodilators or HRT medication.
  • Unsatisfactory biochemical, haematological or urinary assessment at screening, or measures considered to be counter indicative for the study
  • < 3 characteristics of the metabolic syndrome.

NB: REC approved NoSA granted to include those on anti-hypertensives (29JUL2014)

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Insulin resistanceChronic (0 to 6 month)

Assessed, in the fasted state, via HOMA-IR calculation in all participants; indirect assessment.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Insulin resistanceChronic (0 to 6 month)

Assessed in a sub-group via hyperinsulinemic euglycaemic clamp.

Lung functionChronic (0 to 6 month)

Assessed via standard spirometry techniques and biological assessment of exhaled samples.

Cognitive functionChronic (0 to 6 month)

Assessed via a validated cognitive test battery.

Liver fat and blood flow assessmentChronic (0 to 6 month)

Assessment via 3T MRI in a sub-group of participants.

Blood pressure and blood vessel regulationChronic (0 to 6 month)

Measurements taken of arterial stiffness, endothelial function and blood pressure.

Acute +24 hour effect of single (26g) intervention intake, given with high fat challengeChronic (0 to 6 month)

Insulin resistance, lipaemia, vascular, cognitive and lung function measured pre- and post-intervention in combination with a high fat challenge in a sub-group of participants. Urine samples and blood samples (over a 24 hour period) will be taken for biomarker analysis.

Bio-availabilityChronic (0 to 6 month)

Flavonoid and metabolite levels will be assessed in blood and 24 hour urine samples.

Metabolite phenotype effectsChronic (0 to 6 month)

The gut microbiome will be assessed from faecal sample collection and the impact on metabolism and of genotype, will be assessed via a targeted approach.

Trial Locations

Locations (4)

Harvard School of Public Health

🇺🇸

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Addenbrooke's hospital

🇬🇧

Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom

Norwich Medical School University of East Anglia

🇬🇧

Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital

🇬🇧

Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Harvard School of Public Health
🇺🇸Boston, Massachusetts, United States

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