Nucleophilic Defense Against PM Toxicity (NEAT Trial)

Carnosine is a naturally occurring peptide found in high levels in skeletal muscle and the brain and is also available commercially as a dietary supplement. Since carnosine has anti-oxidant properties and air pollution exposure induces a state of oxidative stress, the purpose of this study is to see if those taking carnosine as a dietary supplement are protected from air pollution-induced oxidative stress and adverse cardiovascular outcomes.

This is a placebo controlled, randomized, double-blind, interventional trial investigating the efficacy of carnosine in reducing the effects of particulate matter air pollution (PM2.5). A total of 240 participants from the Louisville metropolitan and neighboring areas will be randomized into two dietary supplement study groups - carnosine (n=120) versus placebo (n=120). Intervention of study dietary supplements will occur from May through September, when the levels of PM2.5.are highest in the Louisville, KY area. Study participants will be given a daily oral dose of total of 2 grams of carnosine (or placebo) for a total of 12 consecutive weeks (during May through September).

Urinary levels of carnosine will be used to screen and identify potential candidates with low carnosine levels. Those with levels less than the median levels of the population, will be invited to participate in the study. The following measurements will be performed - blood and urine sample collection, physical examination, arterial stiffness, physical function, and self-reported surveys on environmental exposure, sleep, diet, and exercise. Supplement intervention (carnosine or placebo) will be initiated at the time of Baseline Assessment and will continue for 12 weeks from that date. Two follow up visits will occur at 6 weeks and 12 weeks respectively after initiating supplementation.

This innovative clinical investigation will provide an insight into the pre and post intervention effects of a cheap, safe, and over-the-counter available dietary supplement in countering the effects of air pollution.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Individuals between 22-65 years of age of either gender and all ethnicities,
2. All genders and all ethnicities
3. Residing in or near the Louisville metropolitan area
4. Consumes some type of meat/fish at least once a month during the past 3 months
5. Carnosine levels below the median level of the population
6. Agrees to complete all study visits and follow study intervention regimen
7. Will be living in the study area throughout the study period, with no more than 1 week away from the study area.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Consumed any dietary supplement more than 3 times per week in the past 4 weeks (one month)
2. Current / ongoing treatment for substance abuse
3. Currently undergoing treatment or have conditions which may cause participant to be immunosuppressed
4. Diseases Affecting Peripheral Cell Count (i.e. Autoimmune Diseases - Hashimoto, Rheumatoid Arthritis, SLE, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjogren syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Takayasu arteritis, Kawasaki disease, Polyarteritis nodosa.)
5. Diseases Affecting Bone Marrow capacity
6. Diagnosis of any active cancer
7. Recent organ / kidney transplant or replacement (Active/Long-Term Medications)
8. Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
9. Untreated thyroid disease
10. Untreated anemia
11. Current acute infections (Influenza, fever, etc.)
12. HIV positive status
13. Active/current Hepatitis HepA, HepB or HepC or in past 6 months
14. Currently or planning to be Pregnant / lactating
15. Prisoners / vulnerable populations
16. Other medical conditions that compromise completion of study
17. Unwilling to provide consent