Effects of an Antioxidant Supplement on Blood Vessel Health

Role of Mitochondria-derived Oxidative Stress on Microvascular Endothelial Function in Healthy Non-Hispanic Black and White Adults

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and the non-Hispanic Black (NHB) population is disproportionately affected. Our research has previously demonstrated that oxidative stress may contribute to reduced vascular function in otherwise healthy NHB adults, potentially predisposing them to the development of hypertension and CVD. This study is designed to examine whether the mitochondria are an important source of oxidative stress-induced vascular dysfunction in healthy NHB adults.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Self-identify as either non-Hispanic Black or non-Hispanic White.
• Men and women 18-75 years old.
• Non-hypertensive (systolic blood pressure [SBP]<130 and diastolic blood pressure [DBP] <85 mmHg).
• Have low density lipoprotein cholesterol <150mg/dl.
• Have HbA1C <6.0%.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Rash, skin disease, or disorders of pigmentation (e.g., psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, or other skin inflammatory skin disorders)
• Known skin allergies to latex or adhesives
• Smoking and/or use of nicotine-containing products within the past year
• Use of illegal/recreational drugs
• Generalized kidney disease
• Taking chloramphenicol, cholestyramine, medication for seizures, methotrexate, nitrofurantoin, tetracycline, barbiturates, steroids, phenobarbital/phenytoin, orlistat or pyrimethamine
• Any current medications which could conceivably alter the cardiovascular control or responses
• Diagnosed or suspected metabolic or cardiovascular disease
• Current pregnancy or breastfeeding
• History of skin or other cancers
• Diagnosed or suspected diabetes (HbA1c ≥6.0)
• Anybody with narcolepsy or who has been diagnosed with any condition that impairs body temperature regulation.