Active clinical trials for "Inflammation"

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of a three-day mindfulness meditation retreat (vs. a three-day relaxation retreat) in stressed, unemployed, community adults on brain function, brain structure, and overall health and immunity.

This study is being done to understand the effect of dietary omega-3 fats in decreasing tissue inflammation in Barrett's esophagus.

Nutrasorb is a newly developed food product (see www.nutrasorb.com). This study will use the Nutrasorb soy protein product that is matrixed with polyphenols from blueberries and green tea extract, and test for efficacy as a nutritional countermeasure to exercise-induced physiologic stress (i.e., immune dysfunction, inflammation, and oxidative stress) using both traditional and metabolomics-based outcome measures.

This study will test the efficacy and safety of IBI-10090 in the treatment of ocular inflammation after ocular surgery.

Pre-diabetes, a condition characterized by hyperglycaemia, is associated with increased cardiovascular risk and reduced life expectancy, as compared to the general population. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an enzyme that plays a key role in cellular energy homeostasis and metabolism, and recently it has been demonstrated that AMPK regulates aging pathways, as well. AMPK is susceptible to modulation through pharmacologic (e.g. metformin) and non-pharmacologic (e.g. physical exercise) interventions. This clinical trial aims to describe the effects of the AMPK pathway on longevity genes and inflammation in the setting of pre-diabetes in vivo and in vitro. To this end, the investigators will compare treatment with metformin (500 mg t.i.d) for 2 months, versus placebo in pre-diabetic subjects. The investigators will assess expression of longevity genes SIRT1, p66Shc, p53 and mTOR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) ex vivo. The investigators will evaluate monocyte polarization by flow cytometry, according to the expression of surface antigens (CD68, CCR2, CD163, CD206, CX3CR1) to determine the prevalence of pro- or anti-inflammatory cells. Inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, MCP-1, IL-1, IL-6, IL-10, CCL12) will also be determined. In the in vitro study the investigators will evaluate the effects of AMPK activation or inhibition on longevity gene and protein expression.

Gum disease and type 2 diabetes are common chronic diseases that affect each other. Diabetes is increasing, especially in Pakistan. People with diabetes have a greater risk for gum disease. Also, it is thought that that gum disease, a chronic infection, can be a source of systemic inflammation and may contribute to poorer diabetes control. The aims of this project are to study: Changes in sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes and severe gum disease after having all teeth removed and replaced with Straumann dental implants and full dentures Changes in certain inflammation markers seen with insulin resistance and other diseases and conditions more common in people with diabetes Retention of dental implants in people with type 2 diabetes. Part I (up to 12 months after implant placement): The study will recruit 30 patients with type 2 diabetes and severe gum disease from Dr. Amin Rahman's private practices in Pakistan. Their long-term sugar (HbA1c) must be 7.5% or more and the inflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (hsCRP) 1mg/dL or more. Consenting participants will first have an oral examination. Eligible patients will have impressions of the jaws and the color of their teeth and gums recorded. At the next visit, all teeth will be extracted and dentures provided. One week later, there will be a check-up visit. Three months after the teeth were removed, Straumann dental implants will be placed in the jaws. After one week, the patient will be checked again. After three months, the dentures will be adjusted to fit the implants. Follow-up visits will occur every three months until one year after the implants were placed to check the health of the patients as well as their implants, the gums around them, and the dentures. Blood samples will be taken at each follow-up visit. Part II (from 12 months to 11 years after implant placement): Follow-up visits will occur every six months for the next ten years, to check the health of the patients as well as their implants, the gums around them, and the dentures. The follow-up visit will be identical to those done in Part I, including blood samples.

The purpose of this study will be to evaluate the effects of a modified formulation of AquADEKs (AquADEKs-2) on markers of inflammation, antioxidant levels and oxidative stress. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a disease that affects the organs in the body such as the lungs. Some of the damage to the lungs of CF patients may be caused by something called oxidant/antioxidant imbalance and oxidative stress. Oxidation in the body is kind of what happens to an apple when it turns brown after being cut. And, just as a squeeze of lemon juice stops the oxidation of an apple, antioxidants can stop the rusting (or damage) inside our bodies by unstable oxygen molecules called free radicals. Free radicals can help fight off bacteria and viruses but too many of them do damage instead. Our bodies need antioxidants to keep things in balance so we have the right amount of free radicals. Many CF patients also have trouble digesting food and absorbing nutrients like vitamins. Many of the vitamins we rely on are antioxidants, like vitamins A, D, E, K and beta-carotene. In some people with CF, even though they take multivitamins and pancreatic enzymes, they still have low amounts of antioxidants. The investigators are looking to see if taking more vitamins and antioxidants will help CF patients. AquADEKs-2 is an investigational new drug (a drug that has not received approval by the Food and Drug Administration [FDA]). This research study is being done with the AquADEKs-2 compared to a control multivitamin. The study drug, AquADEKs-2 contains standard amounts of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) that are contained in typical CF multivitamin supplements plus several antioxidants including beta-carotene, mixed tocopherols (different forms of vitamin E), coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), mixed carotenoids (lutein, lycopene and zeaxanthin), and the minerals zinc and selenium. The control multivitamin contains standard amounts of vitamins A, B, D, E, and K without additional antioxidant supplementation.

Objectives: To compare the effects of clopidogrel versus ticagrelor on atherosclerotic plaque inflammation using serial FDG PET/CT imaging of carotid artery and ascending aorta. Hypothesis: Thrombosis and inflammation are tightly linked rather than separate entities. Therefore, P2Y12 receptor inhibitors may have an anti-ischemic effect by inhibiting plaque inflammation, and ticagrelor may be superior in efficacy to clopidogrel.

Aerobic physical activity attenuates systemic inflammatory activity in individuals with cardiovascular risk.

This study is being done because the investigators wish to study ways to improve recovery after surgery. Injury, including surgical injury, causes inflammation. Inflammation is the body's attempt to protect itself and to start the healing process. Some surgical complications are related to the body's natural inflammatory response. Although mainly a healing response, inflammation can also have side effects which delay recovery. The investigators wish to determine the effect of acupuncture on post-operative surgical pain. An increase in pain after surgery can cause distress for patients. Acupuncture is an alternative medicine methodology originating in China that treats patients by manipulating thin, solid needles that have been inserted into acupuncture points in the skin. Acupuncture has been used for the reduction of pain. The investigators would like to see if acupuncture during surgery can provide a lower level of pain, reduced pain medication requirement, and a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting.