Alpha Lipoic Acid Clinical Study

(410) 550 - HART (4278)
Study Coordinator

Pilot Study in Impaired Glucose Tolerance Assessing Oxidative Stress and Effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Volunteers with Stable High Blood Pressure
Are Needed for a 5 week Research Study with an Oral
Anti Oxidant Medication. (IRB # NA00001082)

Cholesterol can build up in the arteries in the body and cause inflammation in blood vessels which in turn can cause heart disease. Heart disease is the biggest cause of death in the United States and it is commonly found in diabetics.

This is a pilot study to see if Alpha Lipoic acid, a potent antioxidant and over the counter medication improves inflammation in blood vessels.

You will be asked to come for 3 visits over about 6 weeks.
All visits will include fasting blood work. On the first visit we will do a glucose tolerance test (GTT) to determine whether or not you are diabetic. If it is a positive test, meaning that you are diabetic, you will be asked to return for 2 more visits a month apart. On the second visit we will give  the study medication and ask you to take 3 pills a day for 4 weeks. On the third and final visit, we will do blood work and collect the remaining study medication.

To be in this study you must meet the following qualifications:

• Male or female age 50 or older
• Women must be post menopausal or have had a surgical sterilization        procedure.
• Have high blood pressure
• Be moderately overweight
• Have a first degree relative with diabetes

You cannot:

• Have diabetes
• Currently smoke
• Take cholesterol medicine or certain blood pressure medicines
• Some other exclusions may apply