The purpose of this research study is to examine the role oxidants, substances produced in the blood that can damage blood vessel function, may play in blood vessel function in healthy individuals as well as individuals with mental health disorders (posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)).
Study #1 is made up of three sessions done on three separate days and the entire study can be completed in as little as two weeks. All testing sessions will take place at the Exercise Physiology Research Laboratory. Volunteers will be asked to participate in one initial testing session (Visit 1) lasting \< 1 hour that will help make them more familiar with the study equipment and procedures, determine body measures (height, weight, body fat), determine the maximum strength of their forearm and calf, and require one blood draw. The following two testing sessions (Visits 2 and 3) with each session lasting between 2-3 hours that will involve multiple tests designed to determine the health of their blood vessels. For Visit #2 they will be randomly given either antioxidant pills or placebo pills to determine the effect of oxidants on blood vessel health. For Visit #3, they will be given whatever set of pills (antioxidant or placebo) that they did not receive during Visit #2.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
720
Subjects will ingest an antioxidant cocktail containing 800 milligrams of alpha lipoic acid, 1 gram of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and 400 milligrams of vitamin E (alpha tocopherol).
Subjects will ingest placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) pills.
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, Virginia, United States
RECRUITINGArm Vascular Function at Rest (Flow Mediated Dilation Test)
Change in Brachial Artery Dilation from Baseline Values
Time frame: Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 2 weeks
Leg Vascular Function (Passive Leg Movement Test)
Change in Leg Blood Flow Values from Baseline
Time frame: Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 2 weeks
Arm Vascular Function in Response to Exercise (Handgrip Exercise Test)
Change in Brachial Artery Dilation from Baseline Values
Time frame: Baseline to the end of the final visit, about 2 weeks
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