
Effect of Orally Delivered Phytochemicals on Aging and Inflammation in the Skin
Healthy AdultsThe objective is to determine, in a small number of participants, the protective effects of UV-induced skin erythema (reddening or "sunburn") following oral administration of sulforaphane, curcumin, or a combination of the two plant (diet)-based supplements. The investigators will be using the over-the-counter nutritional supplements Crucera-SGS and Meriva-SF to deliver the biologically stable sulforaphane precursor and a highly bioavailable formulation of curcumin. Volunteers will be challenged with UV irradiation at 2-times the minimum erythematous dose (M.E.D.) on discrete 2 cm diameter circles on the upper buttocks. Skin redness will be monitored daily using a chromometer. Biomarkers will then be evaluated in blood, urine, and skin biopsies.

The Effect of Ticagrelor on 15-Epi-Lipoxin A4 and Inflammation
AtherosclerosisTicagrelor and clopidogrel are FDA-approved drugs for inhibition of platelet hyper-reactivity in certain clinical situations. The platelet inhibition and patient outcomes (PLATO) trial showed that in patients with acute coronary syndromes, ticagrelor significantly reduced the primary endpoint (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction or stroke), all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality compared to clopidogrel. It has been suggested that in addition to its anti-platelet effects, ticagrelor has additional unique effects, including anti-inflammatory effects that are not shared by clopidogrel. In the present study the investigators will assess whether ticagrelor, as compared to clopidogrel, increases serum levels of 15-epi-lipoxin A4, a potent endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator.

Cytokine Persistence as a Marker of Inflammation in the at Risk, Low Socioeconomic Status Pediatric...
Obstructive Sleep Apnea of ChildThe investigators wish to study the role of persistent markers of inflammation in executive function in young children during critical periods of synaptogenesis (ages 2-3). While the role of markers of inflammation have been validated in the pathogenesis in multiple disorders in the adult population, their study in pediatrics is limited. The investigators therefore propose that demonstration of persistent cytokine inflammatory markers in this preliminary study will allow larger studies to proceed.

Effects of the Consumption of Broccoli Sprouts in Overweight Subjects
ObesityInflammationNowadays there is an increasing demand by consumers on healthy food products prepared in convenient forms, simple to use and not containing additives. In this sense, broccoli sprouts (Brassica oleraceae var. italica) represent an interesting choice as they are rich in glucosinolates, nitrogen-sulfur compounds, that are believed to counteract the negative effects of diverse pathologies. Human studies have been focused on the antitumoral properties of these vegetables, however there is less evidence on the anti-inflammatory properties of cruciferous vegetables in humans. As obesity is linked to an inflammatory component, the aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action of broccoli sprouts in overweight adult subjects.

Effect of Flavonoids on Gut Permeability in Cyclists
Gut PermeabilityGut InflammationThe purpose of this investigation is to test the hypothesis that chronic supplementation with a dairy-based beverage containing a mixture of blueberry, green tea, and cocoa flavonoids (non-nutritive natural plant compounds) will ameliorate exercise-related changes in gut permeability and inflammation. In a previous feeding study in humans, (NCT02728570) a high flavonoid diet (flavonoids at 340 mg/1000kcal) was effective in mitigating gut permeability and inflammation in overweight and obese adults compared to a low flavonoid diet (10mg/1000 kcal). To test this hypothesis, 20 trained cyclists will complete a randomized crossover study with supplementation for 2 weeks with a dairy-based sports beverage containing either a high flavonoid (approximately 620 mg) or low flavonoid (approximately 5mg) beverage. After the two week intervention, cyclists will complete a 1 hour cycling trial (45 min at 65% VO2 max then 15 minute time trial). The primary endpoints will be gut permeability as measured by plasma intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and the differential sugar test. Secondary endpoints will include gut inflammation (measured via fecal calprotectin), plasma cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα) and plasma LPS. In addition, the distance completed in the time trial is a secondary endpoint.

Stress Reduction Training to Improve Sleep Quality, Stress Physiology & Cardiovascular Disease (CVD)...
StressPsychological3 moreThe goal of this study is to better understand the potential value of reducing stress to ameliorate a cluster of biological and behavioral factors implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. These factors include psychological distress, poor sleep quality, and exaggerated physiological responses to emotional stress. Results will be used to develop an innovative brief intervention to reduce risk for CVD by improving sleep quality, ameliorating psychological distress, and attenuating stress physiology.

Effects of Dietary Fats on Cardiovascular Health and Insulin Sensitivity in Subjects With Abdominal...
InflammationInsulin SensitivityRationale: It is well established that increased intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA) is associated with incidence of cardiovascular heart disease (CHD). This effect is mediated by dietary saturated fat's impact on fasting plasma cholesterol levels. Research is needed to clarify the association between dietary fatty acids and metabolic risk markers beyond lipid profile. World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended reduced intake of SFA with energy replacement from monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) or carbohydrates (CARB). However, limited evidence is available on the effects of dietary fatty acids on insulin sensitivity and secretion. The current study is designed to investigate the effects of SFA versus MUFA versus CARB on insulinemic response and lipid metabolism in healthy individuals with central obesity. Study design: A randomized, crossover, single blind design study was carried out. The subjects consumed controlled diets for 6 weeks each. They were provided 3 meals per day during weekdays in which SFA, MUFA and CARB diet was assigned to them randomly. Protein content was standardised at 14% energy. The SFA and MUFA diets each provided 31.5% energy intake from fat, with 69% of the total fats replaced by test fats (approximately 49 g/d based on a 2000 kcal basic diet). Each individual fatty acid provided approximately 7% of the total energy intake. The CARB diet provided approximately 34 g/day experimental fat based on a 2000 kcal basic diet. The CARB diet replaced 7 % energy of carbohydrate from total fat with the exchange from oleic acid (C18:1). Hypothesis: Changing energy from dietary fat (SFA and MUFA) to carbohydrate will influence insulin sensitivity, endothelial and vascular function, pro-inflammatory markers and lipid metabolism differently in individuals with metabolic syndrome. SFA (palm olein) may be comparable with MUFA (high oleic sunflower oil) with regards to its effects on insulin sensitivity, endothelial and vascular function and inflammation

Effect of EPA and DHA in the Inflammation and Metabolic Disorders in DMD/DMB Patients
Muscular DystrophyDuchenneThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of docosahexaenoic fatty acid and eicosapentaenoic fatty acid supplementation for six months on the inflammation state as well as the process of muscular regeneration and the metabolic disorders like obesity and insulin resistance in patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and Becker muscular dystrophy (DMB) compared to those receiving placebo.

Relationship Between Thoracic Aortic Structure Assessed B PET/CT Scan and Arterial Stiffness in...
AgingInflammationThe purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between thoracic aortic inflammation and arterial stiffness in elderly patients. Vascular-aging is accompanied by a gradual remodeling affecting both cardiac and arterial walls. Arterial hypertension, an established cardiovascular risk factor, has been suggested to exert pro-inflammatory actions threw several biological mediators enhancing arterial stiffness. Both effects of aging and hypertension are associated with higher levels of arterial stiffness, but their respective role is not well established in the pathophysiology of arterial stiffening. Few data are available neither on the real anatomic aortic impact of aging and hypertension on aortic compliance and ventricular function and its relationship to arterial stiffness assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity, nor on the reliability of cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging arterial stiffness measurements. Recent studies using positron emission tomography imaging (PET) with 18 F fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) has been advocated as a means of measuring arterial wall inflammation in various population referred for oncology staging. FDG uptake is correlated with the number of cardiovascular risk factors and even the risk of future cardiovascular events. This method, combined with X-ray computed tomography (CT), has also demonstrated that aortic calcifications quantified by CT and local signs of inflammation detected by FDG uptake contribute to arterial stiffness. A strong relationship between large vessels stiffening assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity measurement, aortic calcifications quantified by CT and inflammation evaluated by FDG uptake has been demonstrated. Therefore, in the current study, we use FDG PET associated to CT to characterize aortic inflammation and aortic calcifications coupled to pulse wave velocity measurement and cardiac function in elderly individuals. In fact, if vascular aging promoting a local inflammatory process is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, then vascular changes assessed by non-invasive vascular imaging (MRI,FDG PET) could represent a potential target for treatment and prevention Thirty individuals ≥ 65 years of age were examined, 15 hypertensive subjects and 15 controls. Pulse wave velocity, a surrogate for aortic stiffness, was measured both by cine phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging and applanation tonometry. Brachial pulse pressure, carotid calculated pulse pressure and pulse pressure amplification (brachial to carotid ratio), predictors of cardiovascular mortality were also quantified. Thoracic aorta local inflammation and calcification were measured by 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging. Moreover, biomarkers of low grade inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin 6 were also determined).

Effect of Antioxidant Intake on Cardiovascular Risk
Effect of Resveratrol and Curcumin on InflammationThe general objective of this project is to investigate the acute effect of consuming a dietary supplement combining resveratrol and curcumin on the inflammatory response following the consumption of a high-fat meal in healthy subjects with slightly elevated waist circumference. The study will be undertaken according to a double-blind, cross over, randomized, placebo controlled design and will be conducted at the Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF) of Laval University. The study will involve a total of 20 healthy subjects (10 men and 10 women. Included subjects will undergo an 6-hour oral fat tolerance, on two separate occasions (one time following dietary supplement consumption and one time following consumption of a placebo). The two test days will be separated by maximum of two weeks. The outcomes are the changes in the plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines in their gene expression.