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Vitamin B (nicotinamide riboside) supplementation for lowering systolic blood pressure.

This study is investigating the effects of nicotinamide riboside (NR) on blood pressure and physiological function. NR is a form of vitamin B3. For this trial, we are looking for participants who are at least 50 years old with above-normal blood pressure. Participants will take NR daily for 3 months. Measurements will be taken before and after the 3 month supplementation period to assess blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function. Participants will receive monetary compensation and individual health information including blood tests, and measurements of blood pressure, vascular health, and cognitive function. You can read a more detailed description of the study here. If you are interested in participating in this study, please call (303) 492-2485 or email nrstudy@colorado.edu.

Mitochondrial-targeted antioxidant supplementation for improving age-related vascular dysfunction in humans.

This study examines the effects of MitoQ supplementation on blood vessel and brain function. MitoQ is an antioxidant (a molecule that protects against free radicals) already present in the body (coenzyme Q10) modified so that it is attracted to the mitochondria. MitoQ may improve the function of blood vessels by decreasing free radical production by the mitochondria, decreasing inflammation, and increasing nitric oxide (a molecule important for dilation of blood vessels).

We are looking for adults 60 years or older who are willing to undergo 3 months of consuming a MitoQ or placebo pill once a day to participate in this study. Subjects will receive monetary compensation for time, along with valuable health information. You can read a more detailed description of the study here. If you are interested in participating in this study, please call 303-735-6410 or email mitoqstudy@colorado.edu.

Passive heat therapy for lowering systolic blood pressure and improving vascular function in mid-life and older adults.

Passive heat therapy, or repeated chronic use of hot baths and saunas, is one proposed treatment for elevated blood pressure and vascular dysfunction. Recent studies have demonstrated an association between chronic heat therapy and decreased risk of cardiovascular disease. We recently completed a small study in healthy middle-aged and older adults in which we found improvements in blood pressure and vascular function. Heat therapy may improve vascular dysfunction by stabilizing important proteins in the cell, specifically proteins involved in reducing oxidative stress, and by altering the amount and types of certain cellular components in our blood called microvesicles. Chronic heat therapy also raises body core temperature and heart rate, providing several effects similar to those of exercise.

We are now conducting a larger study in adults over 50 with high blood pressure to confirm and expand these initial results. To test the effects of heat therapy, we will have two groups of participants undergo water immersion (12 weeks of hot tub sessions, ~3x times per week), with the water temperature set to either 104°F or 97°F. We will measure your blood pressure and vascular function before and after the 12-week intervention and will share this information with you. You can read a more detailed description of the study here. If you are interested in participating in this study, please call 970-460-8970 or email cvstudy.cuboulder@gmail.com.

Clinical translation of senolytic therapy with fisetin to improve vascular function in older adults

Project Narrative: A biological hallmark of aging is “cellular senescence”, which is associated with cardiovascular dysfunction. Compounds called “senolytics” that decrease the number or amount of senescent cells may be effective for improving age-related cardiovascular dysfunction and possibly brain health. This clinical trial will determine whether intermittent oral supplementation with a natural compound with senolytic properties called fisetin (found in strawberries, onions, and cucumbers and available as dietary supplement) will improve blood vessel function, reduce artery stiffness, and improve cognitive function.