
Bioavailability and Biological Effects of Vitamin D2 Contained in Mushroom
Vitamin D DeficiencyMetabolic Syndrome1 moreThe purpose of this study is to compare the safety and efficacy of two different amounts of vitamin D2 (600 or 4000 International Units/day) provided by mushrooms added to one of the daily meals versus same doses of vitamin D3 provided as oral supplements sold in any drugstore in reaching adequate or optimal blood levels of 25(OH)D in people with Vitamin D deficiency and pre-diabetes (high blood sugar without full blown diabetes) or the metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is the name of a group of risk factors that raise the risk for heart disease and other health problems, such as diabetes and stroke as described by the US department of Health and Human Services. This study will also attempt to demonstrate and compare the effect of the intervention with above two doses of vitamin D on blood levels of tests that show inflammation.

Effectiveness of Nigella Sativa (Kalonji) Seed in Dyslipidemia
HypercholesterolemiaHypertension2 moreThis is a pilot study. The aim of the investigators' study is to evaluate the effectiveness of nigella sativa seed in the treatment of dyslipidemia. Dyslipidemia is a common risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause for morbidity and mortality among patients. Nigella sativa is an easily available and acceptable remedy to treat dyslipidemia and at a low cost. It is expected that by scientifically determining the effectiveness of this intervention it will lead to its widespread use. This will provide a low cost alternative to treat dyslipidemia.

The Effects of Cilnidipine on Metabolic Syndrome Improvement
HypertensionMetabolic Syndrome XAbnormalities of glucose, insulin and lipoprotein metabolism are common in patients with hypertension, and these metabolic abnormalities are reported to be related to insulin resistance. Therefore, whenever treating such patients, antihypertensive agents that may have the added effect of improving insulin resistance should be selected. CinalongTM (Cilnidipine) is expected to improve metabolic syndrome as well as insulin resistance by its dual effects on L and N-type calcium (Ca) channels. In this study, the researchers investigate the effects of CinalongTM on insulin resistance and other metabolic related factors.

Collaborative Care for Heart Failure Patients With the Metabolic Syndrome
Heart FailureCongestive1 moreHeart failure is a condition where the heart does not pump enough blood to the rest of the body. People with heart failure may have another condition called the "metabolic syndrome"( having excess fat in the belly, high blood pressure, high fat in the blood, low level of good cholesterol and high blood sugar). People who have both heart failure and the metabolic syndrome often see many doctors. A new clinic has been formed at Ben Taub General Hospital that includes a specialist in heart failure (cardiologist) and in the metabolic syndrome (endocrinologist) as well as patient teaching. The goal of this study is to randomize patients with the metabolic syndrome who are admitted to the hospital for heart failure to this clinic (collaborative care) versus the usual doctor appointments (usual care). The purpose of this study is to see if collaborative care is better medical care than usual care. Specifically, we will see if patients in collaborative care will have: fewer admissions to hospitals for illness better blood pressure, sugar, fat and heart failure control better patient satisfaction and knowledge about their diseases lower levels of inflammation.

The High Density Lipoprotein and Endothelial Function, Niacin and Nitric Oxide Study (The High-Ennd...
Metabolic SyndromeThe aim of the present study is to characterize novel mechanisms whereby HDL may exert potent vasculoprotective effects independent of reverse cholesterol transport, in particular the effect of HDL on the regulation of the vascular NAD(P)H oxidase enzyme system, a major vascular source of superoxide, known to be important for endothelial dysfunction. In addition, the present study will characterize the effect of HDL on endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) mobilization, nitric oxide production and in vivo regenerative capacity.

Ziprasidone for Improving Insulin Sensitivity in People With Schizophrenia Who Are at Risk for Diabetes...
SchizophreniaMetabolic Syndrome X1 moreThis study will evaluate the effectiveness of ziprasidone treatment versus treatment with a standard atypical antipsychotic drug in improving insulin sensitivity and reducing excess abdominal fat storage in people with schizophrenia who are at risk for diabetes.

Diva - The Effects Of 12 Weeks Of Treatment With High Dose Valsartan (320 Mg) To Amlodipine On Endothelial...
HypertensionMetabolic SyndromeA STUDY ON WHETHER AN ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATION PREVENTS DAMAGE TO WALLS OF VEINS IN FEMALE PATIENTS WITH THE METABOLIC SYNDROME (OVERWEIGHT AND OTHER DISORDERS).

Combination of Insulin Sensitizer and Leptin as Treatment for the HAART -Induced Metabolic Syndrome...
HIV LipodystrophyThe purpose of this study is to determine whether patients with HIV lipodystrophy (fat wasting) benefit from taking the combination of two drugs, one insulin sensitizer (either metformin or pioglitazone, both diabetes drugs) and leptin (a natural hormone produced by your fat cells). Our hope is that they will improve sugar and fat metabolism and positively affect the body fat changes you have noticed while taking HAART.

Weight and Metabolic Effects of an Almond Enriched Hypocaloric, Low Fat Diet on Overweight and Obese...
ObesityMetabolic Syndrome X2 moreThe purpose of this trial is to study the safety, tolerability and efficacy of an almond enriched hypocaloric diet on weight loss and weight maintenance, as well as on established and emerging cardiovascular risk factors in approximately 112 overweight and obese persons.

Education, Counseling, and Drug Therapy to Reduce Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic Syndrome XPrediabetic State3 moreThis study will determine the effects of a supplement in reducing symptoms of metabolic syndrome, a collection of symptoms that increase the risk for developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.