
Umbilical Cord Tissue (UC) Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) Versus Placebo to Treat Acute Pulmonary...
COVID-19Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome1 moreThe purpose of this study is to demonstrate the safety of Umbilical Cord Tissue Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (UCMSCs) administered intravenously in patients with acute pulmonary inflammation due to COVID-19 with moderately severe symptoms

Probiotics on Intestinal Inflammation in Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic FibrosisCystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex systemic disease that mainly involves the respiratory and gastrointestinal (GI) tracts. The polymicrobial community composition of respiratory and GI tracts is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Children with CF may harbor an abnormal intestinal microflora, because of altered Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function and heavy drug load (antibiotics, pancreatic enzymes and acid suppressors). The investigators previously demonstrated that intestinal inflammation is highly frequent in CF children, being a major feature of intestinal involvement. In addition, specific probiotics significantly improved airway and GI inflammation in a preliminary trial. The aim of the study is to characterize intestinal and respiratory microflora in CF patients and to investigate the effects of daily Lactobacillus GG (LGG) supplementation on both GI and airway microflora and the eventual relationship between probiotic assumption and clinical and inflammation markers. The aim is to study the effect of microflora modification on intestinal and extraintestinal inflammation to eventually improve the quality of life of CF patients, who often suffer from intestinal and respiratory progressive disease, through a non invasive intervention consisting in the supplementation of probiotic bacteria.

DEtection of Cellular Inflammation With FERumoxytol in the HEART
Cardiac TransplantCardiac Sarcoid2 moreTo non-invasively image myocardial accumulation of ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide (USPIOs) by an increase in R2* values (compared to controls) within the myocardium of patients with: i. cardiac transplantation ii. acute myocarditis iii. suspected cardiac sarcoidosis

Once-Daily Oral Dose of BeneFlax to Healthy Older Adults
Oxidative StressInflammation2 moreThe investigators are investigating whether the flax lignan, secoisolariciresinol diglucoside, decreases oxidative stress and inflammation. The flax seed lignan is believed to be broken down in the body to produce the health benefits of flax. Flax lignan is separated from the whole flax seed as this compound is believed to have health effects. Decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation should improve a number of the problems associated with aging. This intervention consists of 600 milligrams of the flax lignan SDG daily or an equivalent amount of whey protein. The investigators are comparing lignan to a placebo (whey powder) to examine whether a dietary intervention (i.e. flax seed containing lignan) might decrease oxidative stress and inflammation.

The Effect of Wobenzym PS on Inflammation
Sub-clinical InflammationThe general objective of this project is to examine the impact of Wobenzym PS supplementation on blood markers of inflammation and inflammation gene expression in volunteers with sub-clinical inflammation. The study will be undertaken according to a double-blind, cross over, randomized, placebo controlled design. The study will involve men and women with subclinical inflammation (n=24). Eligible subjects will have blood CRP >1 mg/L and <10 mg/L and will be in good health. The impact of Wobenzym PS on inflammation (vs. placebo) will be assessed by comparing the blood fasting concentrations and whole blood gene expression of anti- and pro-inflammatory proteins before and after the 4-week supplementation (Wobenzym and placebo). The two 4-week supplementation will be separated by a 4-week wash out period.

Early iNO for Oxidative Stress, Vascular Tone and Inflammation in Babies With Hypoxic Respiratory...
Persistent Fetal Circulation SyndromeHypertension4 moreThe investigators in this study are concerned about the harmful effects of oxygen exposure in newborn infants, particularly at high concentrations. Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is an FDA approved drug for the treatment of hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF) in term and late-preterm babies greater than 34 weeks gestation. Hypoxic respiratory failure occurs when a patient's lungs cannot get enough oxygen into their bloodstream. This condition is traditionally treated with high concentrations of oxygen and most often requires the patient be placed on a ventilator (breathing machine). The administration of inhaled nitric oxygen directly into the lungs often improves blood oxygen levels and allows caretakers to reduce the amount of oxygen given to the baby. The purpose of this research study is to evaluate if giving the inhaled nitric oxide earlier in the course of disease improves the effectiveness of the drug, reduces the amount of cellular injury from oxygen exposure, and decreases the total amount of time a patient requires supplemental oxygen. This study uses an FDA approved drug in a new manner.

Pilot Study of the Effect of Purple Rice on Glucose Tolerance, Serum Lipids and Inflammation
Type 2 DiabeticThis is a pilot study to demonstrate the effect of purple rice on post-prandial glucose and insulin. The purple color is due, like red wine grapes, mainly to the anthocyanins. The safety and tolerability of purple rice is similar to white or brown rice, but contains the purple elements common to other foods like grapes.

Abdominal Obesity, Cardiovascular Inflammation, and Effects of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone...
Abdominal ObesityObesity is strongly associated with risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Data increasingly suggest that visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation -- or increased abdominal fat -- is particularly deleterious to cardiovascular health, but further study is needed to test this idea. Increased abdominal fat may also be associated with lower secretion of a hormone called growth hormone (GH), which helps the body burn fat. The current study aims to carefully characterize relationships between abdominal fat and CVD. In addition, by using a medication called growth hormone releasing hormone, which is a strategy to reduce abdominal fat, the investigators will test the hypothesis that abdominal fat contributes uniquely to increased arterial inflammation. In the first part of this study, the investigators will investigate both lean (healthy weight) individuals and individuals with increased abdominal fat. The investigators will study their body composition, cardiovascular risk measures, insulin sensitivity, and growth hormone dynamics, with the hypothesis that abdominal fat, independent of general obesity, will be strongly associated with arterial wall thickening and atherosclerotic inflammation. The investigators will assess arterial wall thickness, plaque morphology, and atherosclerotic inflammation, and the investigators will determine associations between these variables and regional fat accumulation, with particular attention to abdominal fat. The second, treatment part of the study will be only for individuals with increased abdominal fat who are found to have low growth hormone secretion. In that part of the study, the investigators will test the effects of a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue to reduce abdominal fat and, consequently, reduce arterial inflammation. The investigators hypothesize that abdominal fat reduction, independent of changes in growth hormone, will reduce arterial inflammation and arterial wall thickness.

Pomegranate and Hemodialysis Pilot Trial
End Stage Renal DiseaseCardiovascular Disease1 moreIn this study, the investigators will administer pomegranate juice or fruit extract as a targeted antioxidant therapy to hemodialysis patients. The investigators will examine whether these pomegranate products will be safe and well-tolerated. The investigators will also examine whether these products may lead to improvements in blood serum biomarkers of: oxidative stress status inflammatory status endothelial dysfunction

Effect of Curcumin on Lung Inflammation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary DiseaseChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer are leading causes of death and health care use. Diffuse airways inflammation is seen in COPD and is thought to be the reason for deterioration of lung function in COPD. Currently there is no medication available that can modify or reduce this inflammation. Furthermore, from literature review it has been shown that chronic inflammation can result in cancerous changes. Curcumin is a food additive used for centuries. Several studies showed that curcumin suppress the different inflammatory pathways. Specially, the TNF-alpha and the NF kappa-b are down regulated by this substance. This study was designed to evaluate effect of combination of curcumin+Bioprine on sputum cytology in patients with COPD. This is double-blind randomized pilot study.