Inflammation Clinical Trials

Psoriasis is a chronic and recurrent skin disorder characterized by marked inflammatory changes in the skin. An extensive cytokine network including generated by activated dendritic cells and T cells mediates the formation of psoriatic lesions. These immune-response parameters can be used as markers in the severity and management of the disease after further in-depth studies. Read Less

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. Read Less

The overall purpose of this study is to understand the role of disrupted sleep in the association of exposure to early life adversity (adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)) with vascular endothelial (dys)function. In Aim 1 (The Iowa ACEs and Sleep Cohort Study), the investigators will utilize a cross-sectional cohort design with a state-of-the-art translational approach. Participants will be recruited to objectively characterize the degree to which lower sleep quality and quantity contribute to ACEs-related endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress in young adults using: 1. rigorous at home sleep monitoring using 7-nights of wrist actigraphy and 2 nights of home-based polysomnography to objectively measure sleep quality (sleep efficiency, wakefulness after sleep onset and sleep depth), and total sleep duration, 2. in vivo assessment of endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation testing, and 3. in vitro determination of endothelial cell inflammation and oxidative stress from biopsied endothelial cells. This study to achieve this Aim. In Aim 2, approximately 70 eligible participants from Aim 1 (The Iowa ACEs and Sleep Cohort Study) will then be randomized to either a 6-week behavioral sleep intervention (cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia) or a wait-list control to determine the mechanistic contribution of sleep disruption to vascular dysfunction in young adults with moderate-to-high exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Following the intervention, participants will again complete: 1. rigorous at home sleep monitoring using 7-nights of wrist actigraphy and 2 nights of home-based polysomnography to objectively measure sleep quality (sleep efficiency, wakefulness after sleep onset and sleep depth), and total sleep duration, 2. in vivo assessment of endothelial function via flow-mediated dilation testing, and 3. in vitro determination of endothelial cell inflammation and oxidative stress from biopsied endothelial cells. Read Less

In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), the investigators will recruit participants to an 8-week "app-based wellness" intervention, followed by a 12-week follow-up period. The investigators will recruit a total of 276 self-declared Chronic Hematological Cancer (CHC) patients who (representative of age, race/ethnicity, and gender) will be on stable CHC pharmacologic therapy (if any), self-identify as sleep disturbed (\>5 on Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), do not have a sleep disorder diagnosis, do not take sleep medication/supplements \>3 times per week, and are not currently practicing regular meditation. Aim 1: Test the efficacy of two app-based wellness programs (10 minutes per day) on the primary outcome of self reported sleep disturbance (Insomnia Severity Index (primary) and PROMIS Sleep Disturbance (secondary)) and secondary sleep outcomes including sleep impairment (PROMIS Sleep Impairment Scale) and sleep efficiency measured via sleep diaries and actigraphy. Aim 2: Test the efficacy of two app-based wellness programs (10 minutes per day) on inflammatory markers (i.e., TNF-a, IL-6, IL-8, CRP), fatigue, and emotional distress (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms measured with PROMIS®). Aim 3: Explore the sustained effects (i.e., 20 weeks from baseline) of two app-based wellness programs (10 minutes per day) in CHC patients. Read Less

This is a randomized, investigator-blinded, self-controlled pilot study of the physiologic response to topical moisturizers among older adults with dry skin. The overarching hypothesis is that skin barrier decline is an important source of chronic inflammation, and that skin barrier restoration with moisturizers can reduce serum biomarkers of inflammation. The primary objective is to determine the feasibility for a larger trial, and the secondary objectives are to determine the extent to which measures of serum inflammation, skin barrier function, and the skin microbiome change in response to moisturizers. Participants will be asked to apply one of two topical moisturizers that are widely available over the counter in the US (Vaseline® 100% pure petroleum jelly or CeraVe® moisturizing cream) once daily for 4 weeks to the front of the torso, buttocks, arms, and legs. Subjects will act as their own control (i.e. they will be asked to apply the study moisturizer they are randomized to for one intervention period (4 weeks) and not to apply topical moisturizers for the other 4- week intervention period). Participants will be randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to one of 4 treatment groups: i. no intervention then CeraVe; ii. CeraVe then no intervention; iii. no intervention then Vaseline; iv. Vaseline then no intervention. At each visit (baseline, week 4, and week 8), participants will undergo skin barrier testing, skin microbiome sampling, and phlebotomy to measure serum inflammatory markers. Read Less

This study aims to investigate the impact of various healthy diets, specifically a modified plant-based Mediterranean diet, on the gut microbiome and overall well-being post-colonoscopy. The investigators hypothesize that certain diets can positively influence gut bacteria, reducing inflammation and enhancing metabolic signals. To explore this, they will utilize metagenomic testing on stool samples to analyze the DNA of gut microorganisms. Additionally, they will conduct immune profiling on serum samples and perform metabolomic analysis to comprehensively evaluate the diet-induced changes in immune response and metabolic pathways. This multi-faceted approach will help them understand how dietary changes affect the composition and function of the gut microbiome, immune function, and overall metabolism. Read Less

Background: About 40 percent of adults and 20 percent of adolescents in the U.S. have a body mass index over 30 kg/m2. Being overweight may lead to a state of low-level inflammation. This may cause health problems. Researchers want to see if an anti-inflammatory medicine can help. Objective: To learn if colchicine can improve metabolism in people who have high body weight, increased inflammation, and high insulin in the blood but who have not yet developed high blood sugar. Eligibility: People aged 12 and older with high body weight who may have increased inflammation and high insulin in the blood. Healthy adult volunteers are also needed. Design: Participants will be screened with the following: Medical history Physical exam Fasting blood tests Urine tests Electrocardiogram Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (They will lie on a table while a camera passes over their body.) Stool sample and 24-hour food diary (optional) Participants will have 3 study visits and 3 phone check-ins. At visits, they will repeat some screening tests. Healthy volunteers will have the baseline visit only. They will not get the study drug. At the baseline visit, participants will have an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). For this, they will drink a sweet liquid and then give blood samples. They will get a 12-week supply of the study drug or placebo to take daily by mouth. Participants will have study visits 6 weeks and 12 weeks after they started taking the study drug. At the 12-week visit, they will repeat the OGTT. Participation will last for 3 (Omega) to 4 months. ... Read Less

Study Objective The purpose of this clinical study is to evaluate if biophoton therapy, delivered by Tesla BioHealing® Biophoton Generators (Biophotonizer), can increase self-grown stem cells naturally. Study Design This is a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled intervention clinical study to assess the effectiveness of biophoton therapy in impacting stem cells. Approximately 46 volunteers who want to increase self-grown stem cells will participate in the study. Study Randomization The biostatistician will prepare a randomization schedule including a serial of subject numbers. A subject number will be randomly assigned to each study participant, which will assign them to either the control group or the treatment group. Other than the Informed Consent Form (ICF), all study information will be recorded by using the subject number. The Principal Investigator, study physicians, study nurse, data-entry specialists, and biostatisticians, as well as the participants, will be blinded about who received which product during the first two weeks of study participation. Read Less

The research aims to understand how a specific type of medication called Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors affect cardiorenal inflammation. Read Less

The plot study aims to evaluate the effect of 8 weeks of stress reducing intervention on atherosclerotic plaque inflammation in adults, as quantified by positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorine-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) in individuals with increased psychosocial stress. Read Less

The goal of this clinical trial is to test the effectiveness of a Smart Bassinet to prevent/mitigate postpartum mood disorders by augmenting maternal sleep and/or enhancing infant sleep. The investigators will conduct a 2-arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare infant and maternal sleep of infants who use a smart bassinet (SB) or a standard commercially available bassinet (Halo Bassinest Swivel Sleeper 3.0) (usual/traditional care (TAU)). After confirmation of eligibility, participants (N = 342) will randomly be assigned to either the SB or TAU. The investigators hypothesize that use of the SB will be associated with better infant and maternal sleep over a 6-month period, and these mothers will report fewer depressive and anxiety symptoms across the postpartum. The main question\[s\] it aims to answer \[is/are\]: Aim 1: Determine the effect of the SB on infant sleep and maternal sleep. \[primary hypothesis or outcome measure 2\]? Aim 2: Determine the effect of the SB on maternal postpartum depressive symptoms and evaluate the model that the association between the SB and postpartum depressive symptoms is mediated by both infant and maternal sleep Aim 3: Compare trajectory of immune system function from late pregnancy through postpartum between PPD and non-PPD and between SB and TAU groups Exploratory Aim. Evaluate whether the elevated risk demonstrated by previously identified PPD epigenetic biomarkers at the TTC9B and HP1BP3 genes can be modified by using a SB. The investigators hypothesize that the elevated risk will be reduced in the SB condition compared to TAU. Military-affiliated pregnant women will be recruited from across the US via social media and advertising. Monthly online questionnaires will be completed by the mother. Objective sleep data will be collected monthly using an actigraph for 1-week from both mother and baby. Blood samples for assay of inflammatory markers will be collected at enrollment, 3- and 6- months postpartum. Read Less

This randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical trial will test the efficacy of a probiotic/prebiotic combination ("synbiotic") on the skeleton in older women. Read Less