Effect of Salsalate on Bed Rest-Induced Vascular Dysfunction

Physical inactivity induces vascular dysfunction and glucose intolerance during five days of bed rest. This study will investigate the effects of salsalate on these responses. Subjects will be randomized to treatment with salsalate or placebo for four days prior to initiation of bed rest. Vascular function in the brachial artery will be determined by ultrasound prior to treatment and before and after the 5-day bed rest protocol. We hypothesize that treatment with salsalate will be associated with protection again the development of glucose intolerance and vascular dysfunction in this setting.

Inclusion Criteria: Healthy volunteers Exclusion Criteria: Pregnancy History of Coronary Artery Disease Diabetes Mellitus Hypertension Cigarette smoking History or family history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism Abnormal renal function Liver function tests greater than two times the upper limit of normal Anemia Use of viagra or other PDE5 inhibitor Hypercholesterolemia Aspirin allergy/sensitivity Asthma with nasal polyps Peptic ulcer disease/Gastrointestinal bleeding Any ongoing drug treatment