Palmitic Acid and Human Microvascular Function

Use of Quercetin to Increase Resiliency to Palmitic Acid in the Human Microvasculature

The goal of this study is to learn how a supplement Quercetin can affect microvascular function.

Participants will:

• give two blood draws of 5 mL each
• have a camera placed under the tongue to take pictures of blood vessels
• have 2 laser Doppler microdialysis catheters placed on the forearm to monitor blood vessels before and after local drug infusion

Researchers will compare blood vessel function of those who take estrogen supplements to those who do not.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Obesity (BMI>30)
• Aged 18-40 years
• English Speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• BMI>60
• Resting SBP ≥180 mmHg or DBP ≥ 110mmHg
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Prior history of myocardial infarction
• Diagnosis of more than 1 risk factor for coronary artery disease (active smoker, diabetes mellitus- type 1 or 2, congestive heart failure, hyperlipidemia, hypertension)
• Active mouth sores that affect the buccal mucosa.