Effects of Phytonutrients on Vascular Health and Skin in Obese Males

This study will determine the effects of beneficial compounds of plant foods, such as pomegranate on cardiovascular health, skin inflammation and aging. This will be tested by asking healthy males to eat a high fat ground beef patty with 8oz. pomegranate juice or 8oz placebo (a study product that looks like pomegranate juice, but contains no active ingredients) and then measuring blood vessel dilation (endothelial function) by blood flow. The investigators also will measure the amount of Nitric Oxide (NO) in blood and urine samples and sugar and insulin in blood. In addition, a Cutometer, a device that measures the elasticity of the skin, will be used to obtain measurements of skin inflammation and aging.

Healthy men have been chosen for this study because eating high fat hamburger patties can easily mimic in them the condition that causes atherosclerosis. The results from this study may help to explain how high fat foods can be harmful to the body and how beneficial plant foods can have on cardiovascular function and the skin.

The proposed investigation has two major objectives: 1. to determine the clinical efficacy of pomegranate juice to reduce skin aging by assessing UV-induced change and skin biological characteristics of elasticity, sebum, hydration/moisture and systemic inflammation and 2. To determine the impact of pomegranate polyphenols on the metabolic response to a high fat meal by postprandial flow-mediated dilation and plasma nitric oxide. The investigators propose to achieve the following specific aims in a randomized, two arm, parallel intervention of pomegranate juice or placebo for 12 weeks in obese men.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 - 65 years old males (inclusive)
* BMI range from 30 to 45 (inclusive)
* Non-smokers
* Fitzpatrick Skin type II-IV
* Willing to maintain normal activity and eating patterns for the duration of the study
* Willing to maintain their normal diet for the duration of the study but avoid pomegranate products and ellagitannin rich foods.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any subject with a history of diabetes mellitus on medications, or other serious medical condition, such as chronic hepatic or renal disease, bleeding disorder, congestive heart disease, chronic diarrhea disorders, myocardial infarction, coronary artery bypass graft, angioplasty within 6 months prior to screening, current diagnosis of uncontrolled hypertension (defined as systolic BP\>160mmHg, diastolic BP\>95mmHg), active or chronic gastrointestinal disorders, bulimia, anorexia, or endocrine diseases (except thyroid disease requiring medication) as indicated by medical history or routine physical examination.
* Known cardiovascular disease, as defined by a self-reported history or medical record documentation of any of the following: myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, prior revascularization (coronary artery bypass graft, percutaneous coronary intervention), peripheral vascular disease, arrhythmias, congestive heart failure, congenital heart disease, cerebrovascular disease (stroke, transient ischemic attack).
* History of known vascular disorder or autoimmune processes including Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, severe psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cryoglobulinemia that may affect vascular studies.
* History of skin cancer (melanoma or non-melanoma), xeroderma, pigmetosum, systemic lupus erythematosus, or dermatomyositis.
* Any subject who is taking photosensitizing medications, i.e. Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, isotretinoin statins, and phenothizaones.
* Any subject who is taking vasoactive medications (such as nitrates, calcium channel blockers, and beta-blockers)
* Any subject with a screening laboratory value outside of the laboratory normal range that is considered clinically significant for study participation by the investigator.
* Abnormal liver function (AST and ALT \> 2 x upper limit)
* Currently taking steroidal drugs
* Cancer treated within the past two years
* Participation in a therapeutic research study within 30 days of baseline
* Use of antibiotics within one month
* Allergy or sensitivity to pomegranate products
* Follows a vegetarian, vegan or beef-free diet