View clinical trials related to Endothelial Function.
Filter by:Context: Soluble CD40 ligand (sCD40L) released from activated platelets induces inflammatory transformation of the vascular endothelium and is an independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Arterial hypertension is associated with platelet activation, increased sCD40L levels and endothelial dysfunction suggesting that inhibition of platelet-derived sCD40L release may improve endothelial function and lower blood pressure (BP). Objective: To determine the effects of clopidogrel on sCD40L, endothelial function and BP. Design: Randomized, controlled, investigator-blinded, parallel-group, 2-phase trial in patients with coronary artery disease and essential arterial hypertension and those without hypertension. Intervention: Participants receive a single 600-mg clopidogrel loading dose (phase I) followed by a daily 75-mg clopidogrel maintenance dose over 28 days (phase II). Outcome Measures: Primary outcome measure is the change in BP from baseline. Secondary outcome measures are changes in biomarkers of platelet and endothelial function and their correlation with BP.
The general objective of the study is to investigate the effects of the daily consumption of spices and herbs for four (4) consecutive weeks in endothelial function and cardiovascular risk factors of men and postmenopausal women.
This investigation is interested in the effects of high dose vitamin C on endothelial function in healthy humans. A high fat meal will be utilized to induce endothelial dysfunction. It is hypothesized that, via antioxidant actions, vitamin C will reverse these effects and in turn improve blood flow- the involvement of nitric oxide suggests that this could extend to cerebral blood flow. This will be monitored by trans cranial doppler flow meter and near infrared spectroscopy.
The purpose of this study in patients with type 2 diabetes was to investigate the acute effect of postprandial blood glucose levels modified by two different insulin treatment regimens on coagulation activation, inflammation and endothelial cell function. The investigators hypothesized that the rapid-acting insulin analogue aspart has a beneficial postprandial effect on coagulation, endothelial dysfunction and inflammation compared with the intermediate-acting insulin NPH due to its ability to lower postprandial glycaemia.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of physical training on work capacity and vascular function after heart transplantation, cardiac transplant recipients are randomized to 8 weeks of intense physical training or control. Vascular function is measured non-invasively. Effect on the hormones and the immune system is evaluated using blood samples.
Recent evidences showed beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Regular Omega-3 fatty acid consumption reduces cardiovascular mortality, ischemic heart disease and stroke mortality. There is probably no single mechanism of action that explains this beneficial effect; but possible mechanisms include reduce susceptibility of the heart to ventricular arrhythmia, antithrombogenic effect, reduce triglyceride level, promotion of nitric oxide-induced endothelial relaxation, and retard growth of atherosclerotic plaque. The combination of satins and omega3 was proved to be better the any of the drugs alone in several studies. The purpose of the study is to investigate several possible mechanisms that may explain the add on beneficial effect of omega-3 in hypercholesterolemic patients already treated with satins.
Despite improvements in perioperative care, non-cardiac surgery remains associated with significant and costly complications. Analysis of perioperative deaths in the United Kingdom suggests that roughly 80% are directly attributable to infectious and cardiovascular complications. The best available evidence suggests that medical optimization is the preferred strategy to reduce cardiac risks but there has been no novel strategy to reduce nosocomial infection rates in over 20 years. Emerging evidence in both the non-operative and operative setting suggest that statin drugs may prevent both infectious and cardiac events. The mechanism(s) of action are not entirely clear but appear to independent of lipid lowering effects and are often referred to as pleiotropic effects. Two key elements of the pleiotropic effects of statins appear to be their anti-inflammatory properties and improved endothelial vascular reactivity. The statin dose required to maximize these effects is unknown. A large observational trial suggests a contradictory dose effect with higher doses associated with reduced infectious complications and lower doses associated with fewer cardiac complications. Doctors therefore still have many unanswered questions about the use of statins in the perioperative setting. Should they be routinely started on all or only certain surgical patients? What dose of statin should be used? If a patient is already on a statin, should their dose be altered perioperatively? The latter question is particularly relevant in light of the marked increase in statin use. Recruitment logs for an ongoing trial demonstrate that over 70% of patients undergoing high-risk surgery were taking a statin but at markedly variable doses. This population presents an ideal opportunity to determine if there is a dose response relationship between statins and pleiotropic effects. We therefore propose an observational study that will determine anti-inflammatory and endothelial effects in high-risk surgical patients on varying doses of a perioperative statin drug. Atorvastatin diminishes the rise in C-reactive protein (CRP), measured 48 hours after elective vascular surgery, in a dose dependent fashion. Secondary Hypotheses: Atorvastatin reduces endothelial dysfunction after elective vascular surgery, as measured by brachial artery ultrasound, in a dose dependent fashion.
The investigators hypothesize that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may lead to increased formation/accumulation of advanced glycation ends (AGEs), and that the increase in AGEs is contributed in part by increased insulin resistance. The investigators further hypothesize that AGEs contribute to vascular endothelial damage and ultimately atherosclerosis in OSA. The objectives of this study are: 1. To explore the relationship between insulin resistance and AGEs in OSA 2. To study the relationship between AGE and vascular endothelial dysfunction in OSA 3. To study the relationship between AGE and early atherosclerosis in OSA
Passive smoking is associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular events. However, the exact mechanisms by which passive smoking affects cardiovascular health are not entirely understood. In the present study, the researchers investigate the effects of short-term exposure to secondhand smoke on platelet function and peripheral microvascular endothelial function in healthy individuals. For this purpose, platelet function and endothelial function are measured before and after a 1-hour exposure to secondhand smoke in a concentration that is encountered in bars and restaurants without smoke-free policies. The researchers' hypothesis is that short-term exposure leads to platelet activation and impairment of endothelial function.
The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and effects of etravirine, an HIV antiretroviral medication, on vascular function.