Clinical trial NCT01681810
Conditions: Metabolic Syndrome Hypertension
Sponsor: Gladwin, Mark, MD
Start date: 2012-10-01; Completion date: 2018-03-08
Enrollment: 20 participants; Allocation: NA; Intervention model: SINGLE_GROUP

Brief summary:
This research study is being conducted to examine the effects of daily inorganic nitrite treatment on the cardiometabolic and hormonal disturbances observed in overweight/obese adults with the metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure. Ultimately, oral nitrite therapy may have a major impact on the prevention and treatment of both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Detailed description:
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Several studies have demonstrated that fruit and vegetable rich diets significantly reduced blood pressure and reduced the risk of ischemic stroke and cardiovascular disease in general, the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. Preclinical and clinical research over the last decade has revealed the important vasoprotective effects of nitrates and nitrites with regards to reduction in blood pressure, vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. More recent findings suggest that inorganic nitrate and nitrite therapy may be involved in the regulation of glucose-insulin homeostasis.

For this reason, development of an oral formulation of nitrite salt represents a rational avenue of exploration for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, whereby nitrite would ensure rapid acting effects upon absorption which can be further oxidized to nitrate via the enterosalivary circulation pathway. In this pathway, about 25% of circulating nitrate is concentrated in the saliva and reduced to nitrite by commensal mouth bacteria with nitrate reductase enzymes. The proposal is the first human study to investigate the inorganic nitrite effects (in any form) on insulin sensitivity in a patient population. This is the second human trial using orally delivered nitrite (previously as aqueous solution).

In the initial phase of the study, step up dosing and frequency of oral sodium nitrite to 40 mg three times daily occurred with no serious adverse events. After three subjects completed the study intervention on sodium nitrite 20 mg three times daily for 2 weeks followed by 40 mg three times daily for the remaining 10 weeks with no serious adverse events, all subjects in this current phase of the trial (n=20) began the 12-week study intervention with 40 mg three times daily. At the same time, in person monitoring visits (which included brief physical exams, directly observed nitrite dosing, secondary outcome measure assessment of methemoglobin level and blood pressure, interval histories, medication compliance review, symptom review and dispensing of study drug) were spaced from weekly intervals to subjects alternating weekly in person visits with phone visits.

Arms: arm 1: sodium nitrite 40 mg three times a day for 12 weeks
Interventions: intervention 1: 14Nitrogen Sodium Nitrite
Intervention descriptions: intervention 1: oral formulation of sodium nitrite 40 mg three times a day for 12 weeks

Protocol documents:
Prot_SAP_000.pdf: 
Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
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Protocol A 
 
 
An Open-Label Study of Oral Nitrite in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome and 
Hypertension 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kara Hughan, MD 
Principal Investigator 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics 
University of Pittsburgh  
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology 
Division of Weight Management and Wellness 
 
 
 
 
 
Version 8.0 
May 25, 2017 
 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 
PROTOCOL SYNOPSIS………………………………………………………………………………3 
 
1. 
STUDY OBJECTIVE, SPECIFIC AIMS, BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANCE…......7 
 
1.1 OBJECTIVE………………………………………………………………………………..7 
 
1.2 SPECIFIC AIMS…………………………………………………………………………...7 
 
1.3 BACKGROUND……………………………………………………………………………7 
 
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE……………………………………………………………………………9 
 
2. 
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS…………………………………………………….10 
 
 
2.1 CLASSIFICATION AND METHODOLOGICAL DESIGN……………………………..10 
 
2.2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF STUDY DESIGN……………………………………..10 
 
2.3 STUDY ASSESSEMENT………………………………………………………………...14 
 
2.4 STUDY PROCEDURES………………………………………………………………….20 
 
2.5 STUDY ENDPOINTS……………………………………………………………………..24 
 
2.6 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS………………………………………………………………..24 
 
3. 
HUMAN SUBJECTS…………………………………………………………………………..25 
 
 
3.1 SUBJECT POPULATION………………………………………………………………...25 
 
3.2 INCLUSION CRITERIA…………………………………………………………………...25 
 
3.3 EXCLUSION CRITERIA…………………………………………………………………..26 
 
4. 
RECRUITMENT AND INFORMED CONSENT PROCEDURES…………………………26 
 
 
4.1 RECRUITMENT METHODS……………………………………………………………..26 
 
4.2 INFORMED CONSENT PROCEDURES……………………………………………….27 
 
5. 
POTENTIAL RISKS AND BENEFITS………………………………………………………27 
 
 
5.1 POTENTIAL RISKS……………………………………………………………………….27 
 
5.2 ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS………………………………………………………….31 
 
5.3 POTENTIAL BENEFITS………………………………………………………………….31 
 
5.4 DATA SAFETY MONITORING PLAN…………………………………………………..31 
 
5.5 RISK MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES…………………………………………………35 
 
6. 
COSTS AND PAYMENTS……………………………………………………………………36 
 
 
6.1 COSTS……………………………………………………………………………………..36 
 
6.2 PAYMENTS………………………………………………………………………………..36 
 
7. 
QUALIFICATIONS AND SOURCE OF SUPPORT………………………………………..36 
 
 
7.1 QUALIFICATIONS OF THE INVESTIGATORS………………………………………..36 
 
7.2 SOURCE OF SUPPORT………………………………………………………………….37 
 
8. 
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………….38 
 
 
 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
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PROTOCOL SYNOPSIS 
 
Protocol Title: 
An Open-Label Study of Oral Nitrite in Adults with Metabolic 
Syndrome and Hypertension 
 
Protocol Number: 
PRO11030131 
 
NCT Number: 
NCT01681810 
 
Version # and Date: 
Version 8.0 / May 25, 2017 
 
Clinical Phase: 
 
Phase II clinical investigation 
 
Investigational Drug: 
Nitrogen 14 Sodium Nitrite (14 N Sodium Nitrite) 
Trial Site: 
Single-Center Trial 
 
IND Sponsor: 
Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
Professor of Medicine 
Division Chief, Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine 
University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine 
 
Investigator: 
 
Kara S. Hughan, MD 
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics 
Division of Pediatric Endocrinology 
Division of Weight Management and Wellness 
University of Pittsburgh 
4401 Penn Avenue, Faculty Pavilion Floor 8 
Pittsburgh, PA 15224 
 
Sub-Investigators: 
Mark T. Gladwin, MD  
Bret Goodpaster, PhD  
 
 
 
Study Monitor: 
Education and Compliance Office for Human Subject Research 
Research Conduct and Compliance Office 
University of Pittsburgh 
3500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 303 
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 
 
Research Facilities: 
UPMC Montefiore Hospital CTRC 
3459 Fifth Ave.  
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 
 
UPMC Montefiore Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolism 
Research Center (EMRC) 
3459 Fifth Ave.  
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 
 
 
Clinical Laboratories: 
UPMC Presbyterian University Hospital 
200 Lothrop St.  


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
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Pittsburgh, PA 15213 
 
Study Rationale: 
Preclinical and clinical research over the last decade has 
revealed the important vasoprotective effects of nitrites with 
regards to reduction in blood pressure, vascular inflammation 
and endothelial dysfunction. New findings suggest an effect of 
nitrite therapy in the regulation of glucose-insulin homeostasis. 
Development of an oral formulation of nitrite salts is attractive, 
whereby nitrite would ensure rapid acting effects upon 
absorption. 
 
Study Objectives: 
To investigate effects of an oral inorganic nitrite on the 
cardiometabolic and hormonal disturbances observed in a 
targeted population of overweight/obese adults with metabolic 
syndrome and hypertension, at risk for insulin resistance and 
endothelial dysfunction. 
 
Study Hypothesis: 
Oral supplementation with nitrite will result in improvement in 
insulin sensitivity, reduction in blood pressure, and improvement 
in endothelial and mitochondrial function, arterial stiffening, and 
microvascular inflammation, in overweight/obese adult subjects 
with metabolic syndrome and hypertension with limited toxicity 
in the dose proposed.  
 
Study Aims: 
1. To examine the effect of oral nitrite on insulin sensitivity and 
mitochondrial function in overweight/obese adults with 
metabolic syndrome and hypertension. 
2. To examine the effect of oral nitrite on blood pressure in 
overweight/obese adults with metabolic syndrome and 
hypertension. 
3. To examine the effect of oral nitrite on endothelial function, 
arterial stiffening, and microvascular inflammation in 
overweight/obese adults with metabolic syndrome and 
hypertension. 
 
Study Design: 
The study aims to assess the safety and feasibility of oral nitrite 
in adults with hypertension and metabolic syndrome. 
 
Subjects will undergo a screening visit to determine that 
eligibility requirements are met. Prior to receiving the study drug, 
subjects will be scheduled within 4 weeks of screening for a 
baseline assessment. 
 
Subjects who meet the Inclusion Criteria and none of the 
Exclusion Criteria will be provided study drug. The study 
population (n=30) will receive oral sodium nitrite for 12 weeks: 
 
Drug: oral formulation of sodium nitrite 40 mg three times 
daily or TID (once in the morning and again in the 
early afternoon and again in the evening). 
 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
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Subjects will be evaluated as an outpatient with the first dose of 
study drug. Blood pressure, heart rate, methemoglobin levels 
and plasma nitrate and nitrite will be measured in the first two 
hours after dosing. Every other week safety visits will occur to 
assess adverse events (AE), methemoglobin level, interval 
histories, brief physical exams, medication compliance review 
and dispensing of study drug. Interval histories and physical 
exams will be obtained by a study investigator. 
 
Subjects will also be contacted by the study investigator and/or 
the study coordinator for a follow-up assessment on Week 16 
by telephone. 
 
Planned Sample Size:  
30 subjects 
 
Duration of Treatment: 
12 weeks 
 
Major Inclusion Criteria:  • 
Age 18-60 years 
• 
BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 
• 
Hypertension: defined as systolic blood pressure ≥130 
and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 mm Hg at screening 
• 
Waist circumference: >102 cm in men, >88 cm in women 
  
Major Exclusion 
Criteria: 
• 
Positive urine pregnancy test or breastfeeding 
• 
Concurrent use of medications affecting glucose (oral 
hypoglycemics, insulin, atypical antipsychotics) 
• 
Recent addition or change in dosing of hormonal 
contraceptive medications (OCP, IUD, DepoProvera) 
• 
Current use of ≥3 anti-hypertensive agents regardless of 
blood pressure control or normotensive (SBP<130 and 
DBP<85 mmHg) on a single agent 
• 
Current use of PD5 inhibitors or organic nitrates 
• 
Not stable on treatments for the prior three months or not 
planning to remain on current dose of medications for blood 
pressure, contraception, etc.                   
• 
Known chronic psychiatric or medical conditions including 
diabetes, liver or kidney disease or obesity syndromes 
• 
TSH >8 mIU/mL 
• 
Smoker  
• 
Hemoglobin <11 g/dL 
 
Study Endpoints: 
Primary endpoint: 
Primary outcome measure: change in insulin sensitivity (i.e. 
insulin stimulated glucose disposal) by hyperinsulinemic 
euglycemic clamp  
 
Secondary endpoints: 
Secondary outcome measures:  
1.  Change in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures 
from baseline to 12 weeks 


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2.  Change in endothelial function by flow mediated dilation 
(FMD)  
3.  Change in muscle and platelet reactive oxygen species 
     (ROS) generation, mitochondrial efficiency, and uncoupling 
     in platelet and muscle biopsy sample studies 
4.  Change in body weight   
5.  Change in arterial stiffening by carotid-femoral pulse wave 
velocity (PWV) 
6.  Change in arterial (intimal) thickening by carotid intima-
media thickness (IMT) 
7.  Change in HbA1C  
8.  Change in blood markers of inflammation, and vascular 
dysfunction: ICAM-1, VCAM-1, e-Selectin, CRP, PAI-1, IL-6, 
TNF-α, lipid profile, adiponectin, and leptin 
9.  Change in substrate oxidation by indirect calorimetry 
10.Change in cardiorespiratory fitness by maximal exercise  
tolerance test 
11.Change in body composition by whole body DEXA for total 
body fat  
12.Safety monitoring with every other week methemoglobin by 
co-oximetry and plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations by 
gas phase ozone-based chemiluminescence detection 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
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1. 
OBJECTIVE, SPECIFIC AIMS, BACKGROUND, AND SIGNIFICANCE 
 
 
1.1 OBJECTIVE 
 
The objective of the study is to investigate effects of an inorganic sodium nitrite on the 
cardiometabolic and hormonal disturbances observed in a targeted population of 
overweight/obese adults with metabolic syndrome and hypertension, at risk for insulin resistance 
and endothelial dysfunction. 
  
 
1.2 SPECIFIC AIMS 
 
Hypothesis:  
Oral supplementation with sodium nitrite will result in improvement in insulin sensitivity, reduction 
in blood pressure, and improvement in endothelial and mitochondrial function, arterial stiffening, 
and microvascular inflammation, in overweight/obese adult subjects with metabolic syndrome and 
hypertension with limited toxicity in the dose proposed.  
 
Specific Aims: 
 
Aim 1: To examine the effect of oral nitrite on insulin sensitivity and mitochondrial function in 
overweight/obese adults with metabolic syndrome and hypertension. 
 
Aim 2: To examine the effect of oral nitrite on blood pressure in overweight/obese adults with 
metabolic syndrome and hypertension. 
 
Aim 3: To examine the effect of oral nitrite on endothelial function, arterial stiffening, and 
microvascular inflammation in overweight/obese adults with metabolic syndrome and 
hypertension. 
 
1.3 BACKGROUND 
1.3.1.  Insulin Resistance is a Key Link in the Metabolic Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes & 
Cardiovascular Disease 
Insulin resistance (IR) within muscle is a significant risk factor for the development of T2DM1,2 
and CVD3. Weight loss and exercise are effective treatments of IR4, but compliance and 
adherence are typically poor. There are effective pharmacologic therapies, e.g., PPARγ 
receptor agonists (Rosiglitazone), but there are significant side effects. More effective 
targeted approaches to improve IR would therefore have a major impact on the prevention 
and treatment of both diabetes and CVD. The potential link between impaired mitochondria 
function and skeletal muscle IR has been extensively investigated and is disputed5,6. In 
addition, H2O2 emission from skeletal muscle mitochondria is an important marker of the 
balance between oxidative stress and redox state and is associated with IR independently of 
mitochondrial energy production7. 
 
1.3.2.  Cardiovascular Disease and Inorganic and Dietary Nitrates and Nitrites  
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and 
worldwide1. While several large studies including the landmark Dietary Approaches to Stop 
Hypertension (DASH) study demonstrated that fruit and vegetable rich diets significantly 
reduced blood pressure2-4 and reduced the risk of ischemic stroke5 and cardiovascular 
disease in general6, the exact mechanisms remain poorly understood. A new theory is 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
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focusing on dietary nitrate and endogenous nitrite as major players in the cardiovascular 
protection seen in fruit and vegetable-rich diets. In humans, two major sources of nitrate and 
nitrite exist in the body: diet and endogenous production from the L-arginine-NO synthase 
pathway7. Green leafy vegetables and beetroots are rich dietary sources of nitrates (NO3-). 
When ingested, they are chemically stable endogenous reservoirs of nitric oxide (NO) and are 
reduced to nitrites (NO2-) by oral bacterial flora in the saliva. Next, the nitrites are swallowed 
entering the GI tract and accumulate via the enterosalivary circulation pathway. While the 
classical pathway of vasoprotective NO production predominates from oxidation of L-arginine 
by endothelial NOS (eNOS) activity, nitrites in the vasculature can also be reduced to generate 
NO via a reverse or “alternate” pathway under conditions of acidosis and hypoxia. This theory 
is evidenced by human studies and animal models demonstrating that inorganic and dietary 
nitrates and nitrites have robust NO-signaling effects. These effects include maintaining basal 
vascular tone, decreasing blood pressure (BP) by vasodilation, reducing vascular 
inflammation, preventing endothelial dysfunction and inhibiting platelet aggregation8,9. Very 
recent animal studies suggest nitrates and nitrates may also positively impact blood glucose 
and insulin sensitivity10. Thus, a novel therapeutic strategy targeting the cardiometabolic 
mechanisms underlying metabolic syndrome and hypertension may lie in the nitrate-nitrite-
NO pathway.     
 
1.3.3.  Effects of Nitrite/Nitrate on Blood Pressure 
Currently, several human studies have examined the effect of single ingestion11,12, 6 day13,14 
and 15 day15 supplemental courses of nitrate in the form of beetroot juice on blood pressure 
in healthy adults. Systolic11-15 (SBP), diastolic11,14,15 (DBP) and mean arterial pressures11,14,15 
(MAP) were significantly reduced with beetroot juice in these trials. A traditional Japanese diet 
is another rich source of dietary nitrates and short term evaluation of this diet in healthy 
Japanese adults decreased DBP 4.5 mmHg in comparison to a low nitrate control diet 
(p=0.0066) without a change in SBP16. Single administration of inorganic potassium nitrate12 
in various mmol concentrations or 3 days of sodium nitrate17 significantly reduced SBP12, 
DBP12,17 and MAP17 in healthy adults compared to placebo, with the magnitude of the blood 
pressure (BP) reduction related to the baseline BP12. Sex differences in the reduction of SBP 
(p<0.01) and DBP (p<0.001) were also identified and greater in males than females12. Single 
administration of oral and intravenous 0.12mmol sodium nitrite solution/mmol hemoglobin in 
healthy adults, equivalent to 290-380 mg sodium nitrite, resulted in a median decrease in MAP 
of 11 and 14 mmHg, respectively. A compensatory increase in HR of 10 and 18 bpm, 
respectively, was observed18. To our knowledge, the effect of longer courses of dietary or 
inorganic nitrate and nitrite supplementation on blood pressure, particularly in at-risk patients, 
has not been investigated.  
 
1.3.4.  Effects of nitrite/nitrate on glucose-insulin homeostasis 
The PPARγ receptor is known to regulate glucose uptake, lipid metabolism/storage and cell 
proliferation/differentiation. Potential benefits of a particular drug in the class targeting this 
receptor, rosiglitazone, has been touted, but with an increased risk for adverse cardiovascular 
events19. In contrast, nitro-fatty acids, endogenous products of nitric oxide and nitrite-
mediated redox reactions, were shown in a recent study to act as partial PPARγ receptor 
agonists with profiles distinct from rosiglitazone and activate the PPARγ receptor at nanomolar 
concentrations10. In the same paper, obese diabetic insulin resistant ob/ob mice were treated 
with nitro-fatty acids by subcutaneous pump for 4 weeks with reduction of insulin plus 
normalized blood glucose levels, ie. improvement of insulin sensitivity, without the side effect 
of weight gain seen with rosiglitazone. A recent animal study examined the effects of dietary 
supplementation of inorganic nitrate on various features of metabolic syndrome in mice 
lacking the gene for endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)20. These mice are obese, hypertensive, 
insulin resistant and have dylipidemia, much like humans with metabolic syndrome or a 
polymorphism in the eNOS gene. With chronic (10 weeks) nitrate treatment in eNOS -/- mice, 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
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significant reductions in blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, proinsulin to insulin 
ratio, visceral fat, circulating triglycerides, and body weight were demonstrated. To our 
knowledge, however, no human data is available on the effects of inorganic nitrate or nitrite 
supplementation on insulin sensitivity, especially in an adult overweight/obese population with 
metabolic syndrome and hypertension. 
 
1.3.5.  Effects of nitrite/nitrate on endothelial function and vascular inflammation 
One of the earliest pathophysiological responses to cardiovascular injury is a reduction in NO 
bioavailability. This has been implicated in the resulting endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, 
platelet activation, and smooth muscle proliferation and migration9. Recent evidence has 
suggested the alternate NO pathway involving nitrate and nitrite may attenuate arteriolar 
endothelial dysfunction and microvascular inflammation through increased NO bioavailability. 
Stokes and colleagues fed male C57 mice for 3 weeks with either a high fat or normal diet. 
Those mice on the high fat diet were supplemented with nitrite free or nitrite containing water. 
Nitrite supplementation with high fat feeding significantly increased plasma and tissue nitrite 
levels, inhibited leukocyte adhesion and emigration in venules and prevented impairment of 
endothelium-dependent vascular relaxation while MAP remained unchanged. Additionally, 
nitrite supplementation was associated with a reduction in triglycerides (p<0.01) and CRP 
without altering total cholesterol9. In human models, dietary nitrate in the form of beetroot 
juice11,12 and inorganic nitrate supplementation12 prevented I/R-induced endothelial 
dysfunction (p<0.05) assessed by FMD when compared to no treatment. Collectively, 
evidence from these animal models and human studies suggest a potential therapeutic role 
of exogenous nitrates and nitrites to enhance NO bioavailability, reduce microvascular 
inflammation, and preserve endothelial function. 
 
1.3.6.  Effects of nitrite/nitrate on mitochondrial function 
Mitochondria are critical for oxidizing fuels (i.e., glucose, fatty acids, amino acids) for cellular 
energy production. There is also accumulating evidence that mitochondria dysfunction is 
associated with insulin resistance within skeletal muscle21,22. Larsen et al recently reported in 
healthy volunteers that dietary inorganic nitrate supplementation increased ATP synthesis in 
mitochondria isolated from muscle biopsy specimens concomitant with a reduced whole-body 
oxygen cost during steady-state exercise23. This suggests that dietary nitrate enhances the 
efficiency of energy generation through direct effects on muscle mitochondria. Taken together, 
these studies raise important questions regarding the potentially positive benefits of inorganic 
nitrate and nitrite supplementation on mitochondrial energy metabolism and links with insulin 
resistance and the metabolic syndrome. The current study will extend these observations 
significantly by examining the effects of dietary nitrate/nitrite supplementation on energy 
efficiency, mitochondria function, oxidative stress and insulin resistance in subjects with key 
features of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. 
 
 
1.4 SIGNIFICANCE 
 
Important vasoprotective effects of inorganic nitrates and nitrites have been reported during the 
past decade, as evidenced by reduced BP, vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. 
More recent findings suggest that inorganic nitrate and nitrite therapy may be involved in the 
regulation of glucose-insulin homeostasis. This proposal hypothesizes that oral supplementation 
with sodium nitrite will result in improvement in insulin sensitivity, reduction in BP, and 
improvement in endothelial and mitochondrial function, arterial stiffening, and microvascular 
inflammation, in overweight/obese adult subjects with metabolic syndrome and hypertension with 
limited toxicity in the dose proposed. First, we utilize a combination of powerful in vivo techniques 
(hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, pharmacokinetic testing, muscle biopsy and platelet 


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analysis of mitochondrial function, cardiorespiratory fitness and various vascular function studies). 
Second, this is the first human study to investigate the inorganic nitrate or nitrite effects (in any 
form) on insulin sensitivity in any subject population. Additionally, this study is the first to design 
inorganic nitrite capsules for cardiovascular applications. 
 
This study is an open-label, single-center non-randomized drug treatment study of overweight 
adults with metabolic syndrome and hypertension. 
 
Adults (N=30) who fulfill the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be treated with 40 mg 14N 
sodium nitrite three times daily or TID (once in the morning and again in the early afternoon and 
again in the evening).  
 
2.   RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS 
 
2.1 CLASSIFICATION AND METHODOLOGICAL DESIGNS 
 
The study is a 12 week open-label, single-center, non-randomized drug treatment study of 
overweight adults with metabolic syndrome and hypertension.  
 
 
2.2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF STUDY DESIGN 
 
Potential subjects will undergo a screening visit to determine that eligibility requirements are met 
prior to being enrolled in the study. Subjects who meet the Inclusion Criteria, none of the Exclusion 
Criteria, and prior to receiving the study drug will be scheduled within 4 weeks of screening for 
baseline assessments. The study population (n=30) will receive oral sodium nitrite as follows: 
 
Drug:  oral formulation of sodium nitrite 20 mg or 40 mg capsules, for a dose of 40 mg 
three times daily or TID (once in the morning and again in the early afternoon and again 
in the evening). 
 
Subjects will complete a 12-week outpatient treatment period. During the treatment period, 
subjects will be evaluated at weekly intervals. Throughout the study period, subjects will be asked 
to remain diligent in recording the exact date and time of study drug dosing with any associated 
symptoms. 
 
2.2.1. Study Drug Preparation and Distribution 
The nitrite formulation will be prepared at and obtained from the Investigational Drug Pharmacy 
Service at the National Institutes of Health (NIH-IDS). The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center 
Investigational Drug Pharmacy Service (UPMC-IDS) will be utilized for dispensing of the study 
drug. 
 
The daily study drug is: 
 
14N Sodium nitrite  
Standard sodium nitrite will be supplied as 20 or 40 mg capsules for three times daily oral 
administration at the dose strength of 40 mg. 
 
2.2.2. Dose Selection 
The Joint Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)/World Health Organization (WHO) Expert 
Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) proposed an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) for nitrate in 
1990 based on harmless daily intakes of ≤500 mg of sodium nitrate/per kg of body weight in rats 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
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and dogs. They divided this dose by an uncertainty factor of 100 to yield an ADI of 5 mg of sodium 
nitrate or 3.7 mg nitrate ion per kg of body weight. An ADI for nitrite ion was derived and revised 
in 2003 based on intakes of 10 mg of sodium nitrite or 6.7 mg nitrite ion per kg of body weight in 
rats. They divided this dose by an uncertainty factor of 100 and rounded to yield an ADI for sodium 
nitrite of 0.1 mg/kg of body weight24.  
 
Using the ADI for sodium nitrite (0.1 mg/kg of body weight) and a body weight of 95 kg, the 
calculated ADI of sodium nitrite would be 9.5 mg. 
 
A recent modeling of the fruit and vegetable consumption patterns of The Dietary Approaches to 
Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet was done choosing foods that were low or high in nitrate. The 
“high nitrate” DASH diet pattern would result in consumption of 1,222 mg nitrate ion and 0.351 
mg nitrite ion daily. The “low nitrate” DASH diet would result in consumption of 174 mg nitrate ion 
and 0.41 mg nitrite ion daily. The hypothetical high-nitrate DASH diet pattern exceeds the WHO’s 
ADI for nitrate ion by 550% for a 60-kg adult26. Subjects on this diet exhibited lower blood pressure 
with no adverse effects.   
 
In a recent study12, single dose potassium nitrate (KNO3) capsule ingestion in healthy adult 
volunteers in doses of 2,424 mg KNO3 (or 1,488 mg nitrate) and 1,212 mg KNO3 (or 744 mg 
nitrate) resulted in dose dependent reductions in BP over a 24 hour period without adverse effects.  
 
Hunault et al. reported an open-label pharmacokinetic crossover study in 9 healthy adult subjects 
who received two single high dose oral sodium nitrite solutions equivalent to 290-380 mg and 
140-190 mg sodium nitrite, respectively, and one intravenous sodium nitrite dose of 290-380 mg18. 
Mild headache occurred in 44-55% and up to 22% experienced nausea, which subsided within 
half an hour during each treatment session. Lowered blood pressure accompanied by increased 
heart rate were observed after each higher dose treatment, whereas the lower dose did not induce 
notable changes. 
 
Chronic dietary supplementation of inorganic sodium nitrate in obese, hypertensive, insulin 
resistant mice lacking the gene for endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)20 was studied. With a 10 
week treatment of a modest dose of sodium nitrate of 0.1 mmol/kg/day (8.5 mg/kg/day) in the 
drinking water, significant reductions in blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, and 
proinsulin to insulin ratio were demonstrated, indicating reduced demands on the β-cell for insulin 
secretion. 
 
Sodium nitrate drug is considered a source of nitrite through salivary nitrate reduction (rise in 
plasma nitrite after single oral sodium nitrate dose - see attached Fig 2A attached). Despite the 
plasma nitrite rise following a single oral sodium nitrate dose, we recently demonstrated in our 
phase I PK/PD study in 10 normal volunteers that no persistent blood pressure reduction with 
sodium nitrate 1,000 mg (see attached Fig 3A). In contrast, in the same phase I PK/PD study in 
10 normal volunteers, we showed blood pressure decline in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial 
pressures over 3 hours with sodium nitrite 20 mg (Fig 3B). The oral sodium nitrite half-life was 
about 40-minutes and the effects of nitrite only lasted ≤6 hours. This was demonstrated by the 
plasma nitrite levels returning to baseline levels between 3 and 6 hours after nitrite dosing (i.e. 
the drug was given and gone out of the circulation within 6 hours). Specifically, mean baseline 
(pre-nitrite dosing) blood nitrite concentrations were 0.11 micromolar with a peak at 30 minutes 
of 5.5 micromolar, and return to baseline levels between the 3- (0.18 micromolar) and 6-hour 
(0.11 micromolar) monitoring time points (Fig 2B). In addition, there were no serious adverse 
events when these normotensive individuals received sodium nitrite including our 2 safety 
endpoints of methemoglobin levels and mean arterial pressure.  
 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
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Additionally, we demonstrate lack of blood pressure lowering in our first 5 subjects on this 
current protocol's combined regimen of sodium nitrate 1,000 mg daily and sodium nitrite 20 mg 
BID during 2-hour post-dose BP monitoring at baseline vs. 12 weeks post (see attached Fig 
1A), weekly seated blood pressures (Fig 1B) or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressures (ABP) at 
baseline vs. 12 weeks post (Fig 1C) and possible concern the sodium load within the 1,000 mg 
sodium nitrate dose may be blunting any potential BP effect. 
 
Next, a recently published study (Mohler III ER, Hiatt WR, Gornik HL, Kevil CG, Quyyumi A, 
Haynes WG, Annex BH. Sodium nitrite in patients with peripheral artery disease and diabetes 
mellitus: safety, walking distance and endothelial function. Vascular Medicine 2014; 19(1):10-
17) randomized adults 1:1:1 to oral sodium nitrite 40 mg BID vs. 80 mg BID vs. placebo for 10 
weeks in >50 adults (age 35-85 years) with peripheral arterial disease +/- diabetes. The dose 
was escalated after the 10 weeks for 1 additional week in all 3 groups (dose-doubling) to 80 mg 
BID vs. 160 mg BID vs. doubling of placebo, respectively. The dosing was well tolerated, 
especially in the 40 mg BID and 80 mg BID randomized dosings. Our proposed study dosing of 
40 mg TID (120 mg daily) falls in between the above two total daily doses of 80 mg and 160 mg 
daily. Safety was monitored throughout all aspects of the study. No serious adverse events 
occurred in the two sodium nitrite groups. There were no imbalances in GI, musculoskeletal, 
respiratory, vascular or skin disorders nor shifts in liver function or creatinine levels. Pertinent 
safety outcomes (also measured in our study) revealed that methemoglobin changes never 
exceeded 3% in any nitrite dose regimen and no clinically significant change in resting blood 
pressure.  
 
Finally, a current phase II study of inhaled nitrite in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension 
(PAH) at the University of Pittsburgh uses a dose of 80 mg, and is approved by the University of 
Pittsburgh IRB and FDA. Also, phase II studies went as high as 90 mg three times a day, 
approved by the FDA. So, our dose of 20 mg or 40 mg TID will not be out of line of approved 
dosing.  
 
Based on the above PK and the differential BP effects with single doses of sodium nitrate vs. 
nitrite, the published 10-week oral nitrite trial and preliminary findings in this combined trial, we 
propose to remove sodium nitrate, which is the second potential depot of nitrite. Therefore, we 
need to administer a greater nitrite load since the previous two sources combined (sodium 
nitrate and nitrite) in the first 5 subjects of this study did not result in any BP lowering (Fig 1A-C). 
Similar to our prior dosing modification (when we titrated from sodium nitrite 20 mg once daily to 
20 mg twice daily), we propose a step-up dosing in the first 3 subjects enrolled whereby we will 
begin with sodium nitrite 20 mg TID daily and after 2 weeks on this dosing and if no SAE, 
increase to 40 mg TID for the remaining 10 weeks of the study, given the PK of the drug and to 
induce blood pressure lowering in our hypertensive subjects. After three subjects have 
completed this regimen, then we propose that from the start, all remaining subjects start on 
sodium nitrite 40 mg TID and continue for all 12 weeks.  
 
Although we are increasing the dose/frequency of sodium nitrite, since we are discontinuing 
sodium nitrate (which is reduced to nitrite in our body as was confirmed in our Phase I PK study), 
we are continuing our in-person safety monitoring visits to assess for adverse events at every 
other week. We will continue alternating every other week phone visits to assess compliance and 
for adverse events. Our two safety outcomes are methemoglobin by non-invasive co-oximetry 
and mean arterial pressure (MAP) obtained through 3 automated resting BP measurements 30-
45 min following morning nitrite dosing and averaging the final 2 of 3 MAPs. 
 
Based on the Joint FAO/WHO ADI for sodium nitrate and nitrite, the above DASH diet patterns, 
and the recently observed human and rodent effects of nitrate and nitrite on blood pressure and 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
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______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
13 
 
glucose homeostasis, including our PK/PD trial of single doses of oral nitrate and nitrite, the 
existing inhaled nitrite trial, and this open label trial safety and lack of BP reduction findings 
following a total of 5 subjects' completion, the study investigators believe that a safe and likely 
therapeutically effective dose of sodium nitrite will be 40 mg three times daily (~1.26 mg/kg body 
weight per day for a 95 kg subject). Our sodium nitrite dose selection is equivalent to 12.6 times 
the ADI. 
 
2.2.3. Treatment Period 
Subjects will undergo study treatment duration of 12 weeks of 14N sodium nitrite three times daily. 
This is considered appropriate to demonstrate the potential effects of nitrite on the 
cardiometabolic and hormonal disturbances in overweight/obese adults with metabolic syndrome 
and hypertension. 
 
2.2.4. Safety Monitoring: 
Subjects will be evaluated with outpatient two hour post-dose safety assessments at baseline and 
at 12 weeks following completion of the 12-week treatment. Every other week safety visits will 
occur to assess adverse events (AE) and interval histories in the Endocrinology and Metabolism 
Research Center (EMRC) at Montefiore Hospital) for visits 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14. Visits 5, 7, 9, 11, 
13 and 15 will occur by phone. The in person safety visits will include brief physical exams, 
methemoglobin level, interval histories medication compliance review, symptom review and 
dispensing of study drug. The phone visit will include symptom review, assessing adverse events 
and interval histories. 
 
In addition to these formal evaluations, subjects will be encouraged to immediately contact the 
study investigator and/or the study coordinator with questions, concerns, or to report new 
symptoms that occur during their study participation. If there are particular concerns that need 
addressed sooner than the every other week in-person visit, the subject will be asked to return to 
the EMRC as soon as possible for evaluation. If appropriate, based upon the evaluation, medical 
treatments will be provided to subjects, including appropriate referral to physicians or other 
services at the UPMC.  
 
2.2.5. Medication Compliance 
Subjects will self-administer their first dose of study medication under supervision of the 
physician investigator in the outpatient CTRC during Day 1 (Visit 4- First Drug Dose visit), 
following completion of all baseline clinic assessments. Subjects will also be dispensed their 
study medication for home use. Subjects will return the previously dispensed study medication 
at each every other week study visit thereafter, and medication compliance will be assessed. 
The study investigator and/or the study coordinator will review the daily diary. In the event that 
the compliance rate is < 80%, subjects will be re-educated on medication compliance. If 
medication compliance repeatedly falls outside of the acceptable range, the study investigators 
will discuss subject eligibility for continued participation in the study.  
 
 
2.2.6. Medication Accountability 
The study investigators or the study coordinator will document the amount of study drug 
dispensed from UPMC-IDS. The study drug accountability records will be maintained at UPMC-
IDS throughout the course of the clinical trial. 
 
 
 
 
 


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2.3 STUDY ASSESSMENT 
 
The complete study assessment and procedures are outlined in Table 1. During the treatment 
period, a variance of 7 days will be allowed to accommodate for scheduling needs. 
 
2.3.1. Screening Procedures  
Visit 1 (Screening) 
The outpatient fasting screening will take place in the Montefiore Clinical and Translational 
Research Center (CTRC) or the Endocrinology Metabolism Research Center (EMRC) at the 
UPMC Montefiore Hospital. Subjects will be asked to fast for 8 hours before coming in for the 
screening blood work.  
 
• 
Obtain written informed consent. 
• 
Obtain waist and hip circumferences. 
• 
Complete history and physical examination to include body weight, height, and menstrual 
history in females. 
• 
Metabolic syndrome screening blood draw: triglycerides, HDL and fasting glucose. 
• 
TSH level to rule out uncontrolled hypothyroidism (TSH >8 mIU/mL) 
• 
Hemoglobin and hematocrit to assess for anemia (hemoglobin <11.0); If the value is within 
IRB guidelines, the subject may proceed with full protocol implementation.  If the 
hemoglobin is less than required, a stat CBC will be sent to chemistry.  If the central lab 
value is within range or the subject is determined to have thalassemia trait per the IRB 
“Blood Withdrawal Guidelines for Research Subjects”, the subject may proceed with full 
protocol implementation.  
• 
Blood pressure and other vital signs. 
 
Screening evaluations will include triglycerides, HDL, glucose, TSH, and hemoglobin and 
hematocrit by the Presbyterian Hospital clinical automated testing lab and are to be covered by 
research funds. The total volume of blood drawn is approximately 1 Tablespoon (15 mL). If 
laboratory results exclude elevated TSH (>8 mIU/mL) and low hemoglobin (<11.0 g/dL) and blood 
pressure measurement confirms hypertension, the subject will be called to arrange the baseline 
assessments. 
 
Subjects who fail to meet applicable inclusion/exclusion criteria based upon the results of the 
screening assessment will be excluded from further study participation.    
 
Visit 2 (First Baseline Assessment Visit)  
Subjects will be scheduled for an outpatient fasting Vascular CTRC and EMRC visit within 4 
weeks of screening. Subjects will be asked not to drink or eat anything other than plain water for 
8 hours prior to their arrival for this visit. 
 
• 
Body weight 
• 
Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) 
• 
Flow Mediated Dilation (FMD) 
• 
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) 
• 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential (i.e. women who are not at least 
1 year post-menopausal or who have not undergone a surgical sterilization procedure) 
• 
Light breakfast snack in CTRC  
• 
Whole body DEXA scan 
• 
Exercise testing 


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• 
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) placement *This may also be 
placed at Visit 3 if a monitor is not available when a participant comes in for Visit 2.* 
• 
AE assessment 
 
Visit 3 (Second Baseline Assessment Visit) 
Visit 3 involves a percutaneous muscle biopsy. To prevent acute effects of exercise on muscle 
mitochondria function, the visit will occur 2-7 days after Visit 2. This visit will take place at the 
MUH-CTRC. Subjects will be asked not to drink or eat anything other than plain water for 8 hours 
prior to their arrival for this visit. 
 
• 
History and physical examination including vital signs, body weight, and menstrual history 
in females 
• 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential (i.e. women who are not at least 
1 year post-menopausal or who have not undergone a surgical sterilization procedure) 
• 
Fasting blood draw to include: estradiol level in females sent to Esoterix; HbA1C, CBC, 
creatinine, AST and ALT and lipid profile sent to Presbyterian Hospital clinical automated 
testing lab; research blood for ICAM-1, VCAM-1, e-Selectin, CRP, adiponectin, leptin, uric 
acid, PAI-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and platelet sample (approximately 3 Tablespoons of blood)  
• 
72-hour dietary food recall  
• 
Indirect calorimetry 
• 
Percutaneous muscle biopsy 
• 
Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (22 Tablespoons of blood) 
• 
Meter blood sugar, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate will be performed 30 
minutes after completion of the clamp test to make sure they are returning to baseline 
before discharge home. 
• 
Regular meal after completion of clamp 
• 
Return blood pressure monitor and cuff for download 
• 
AE assessment 
 
The total volume of blood drawn is approximately 25 Tablespoons (375 mL). 
 
2.3.2. Treatment Period and Monitoring 
 
Visit 4 (Day 1: First Drug Dose Visit)  
Administration of the first dose of study drug will occur within 1-4 weeks following completion of 
all baseline assessments. Subjects will be asked not to drink or eat anything other than plain 
water for 8 hours prior to their arrival for this visit. The fasting visit will take place in the outpatient 
CTRC.  
 
• 
Body weight and temperature in all subjects and menstrual history in females 
• 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential (i.e. women who are not at least 
1 year post-menopausal or who have not undergone a surgical sterilization procedure) 
• 
Subjects will receive their first dose of study drug as follows: 
o 
14N sodium nitrite 40 mg  
• 
Blood pressure, MAP and heart rate will be measured in triplicate after approximately 30 
minutes of rest and quiet in the CTRC to ensure blood pressures are at a steady state 
before taking the study drug (baseline) and then every 15 minutes for the 2 hours post-
drug administration 
• 
Methemoglobin level by finger probe at 0 (trough prior to sodium nitrite), 0.5, 1 and 2 hours 
post-drug administration  


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
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• 
Research blood samples for: plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations, red cell iron-
nitrosyl-hemoglobin and platelet studies at 0 (trough), 0.5 and 2 hours post-drug 
administration  
• 
AE assessment 
• 
Light breakfast snack 
• 
Provide dosing diary cards and a 11-17 day supply of study drug so there is enough 
daily drug to get them to their next scheduled Visit 6 
• 
Return completed 72 hour dietary recall forms 
 
The total volume of blood drawn is approximately 3 Tablespoons (or 48 mL). 
 
There is a rare possibility that a subject will have a high methemoglobin level or will have a low 
blood pressure from their study drug dose during this visit or future study visits. If this happens, 
their study nitrite drug dose will be lowered so that they receive half the dose of the nitrite (20 mg 
sodium nitrite three times daily). They will be asked to undergo a repeat of safety monitoring for 
blood pressure, breathing rate and heart rate before taking the medicines and then every 15 
minutes for 2 hours after taking the study medications, methemoglobin level by a finger probe, 
research blood and storage samples and blood samples for platelet mitochondrial function that 
will be drawn before, 0.5, 1 and 2 hours after the lowered dose of study medication are 
administered (as above). The total volume of blood drawn is approximately 3 Tablespoons. If they 
still have a high methemoglobin or low blood pressure on the lower dose, their participation in the 
study will be discontinued. 
 
Visits 5-15 (Weeks 1 through 11):  
 
Participants will have every other week in-person EMRC safety visits and phone visits on alternate 
weeks, starting with week 1 (Visit 5) if no dose limiting adverse events occur (as defined in 
protocol based on MAP and MetHb levels). Phone visits will take place on Visit 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 
15. 
 
During Visits 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 on study drug), the subjects will return 
every other week ± 7 days to the EMRC in Montefiore Hospital of UPMC for a safety visit, which 
will take approximately 1-1 ½ hours for: 
 
• Subjects will be seated in the EMRC and given their daily dose of morning study drug or 
second/midday dose (depending on time of scheduled visit) 
• Brief physical exam 
• 0.5 hours after taking their study drug, 3 automated blood pressure, HR and MAP 
  measurements will be taken by the subject with 5 minutes intervals between 
  measurements 
• Assess adverse events (AE) and medication compliance 
• Obtain methemoglobin by co-oximetry and research blood for plasma nitrate and nitrite 
  levels and a sample for storage 
• Provide a 14 +/- 3 day supply of study drug 
 
During Visits 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 (Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 on study drug or every other 
week), we will contact the subject by phone for a safety visit to assess interval histories and 
assessment of adverse events (AE), which will last about 10 minutes. 
 
The total volume of blood drawn at the in-person safety visits is approximately 1 1/8 Tablespoons 
(or 16 mL). At the Week 6 (Visit 10) visit, body weight, and menstrual history in females and urine 
pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential (i.e. women who are not at least 1 year post-


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
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______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
17 
 
menopausal or who have not undergone a surgical sterilization procedure) and a blood sample 
for platelet studies will be performed. Total blood volume for Visit 10 is about 1 2/3 Tablespoons 
(or 24 mL). 
 
At Week 10 (Visit 14), a hemoglobin and hematocrit will be drawn to screen for anemia. If 
hemoglobin is less than 11 g/dL, iron supplementation (ferrous sulfate 325 mg twice daily) will be 
recommended until study completion at Visit 18. A repeat hemoglobin and hematocrit will be 
repeated at Visit 18. If hemoglobin is > or = 11 g/dL, participation in this visit will occur. If 
hemoglobin <11 g/dL, continuation of iron supplementation will occur and the visit will be 
rescheduled within the permitted 7 day scheduling variance when the hemoglobin and hematocrit 
will again be repeated. Total blood volume for Visit 14 is about 1 1/3 Tablespoons (or 20 mL). 
  
Visit 16 (Week 12: First Completion Assessment Visit) 
Subjects will be scheduled for an outpatient fasting CTRC and Vascular CTRC visit for: 
 
• 
Body weight in all subjects and menstrual history in females 
• 
Waist and hip circumference measurements 
• 
Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) 
• 
Flow Mediated Dilation (FMD) 
• 
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) 
• 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential (i.e. women who are not at least 
1 year post-menopausal or who have not undergone a surgical sterilization procedure) 
• 
Whole body DEXA scan 
• 
Exercise testing 
• 
Light breakfast snack 
• 
24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitor placement*This may also be placed at Visit 
17 if a monitor is not available when a participant comes in for Visit 16.* 
• 
72-hour dietary food recall 
• 
Assess AEs, review diary cards and medication compliance  
• 
Provide remaining supply of study drug until scheduled Visit 18 Third Completion 
Assessment Visit (Week 12). 
 
Visit 17 (Week 12: Second Completion Assessment Visit) 
This fasting visit will take place at the CTRC or EMRC. Subjects will be asked not to drink or eat 
anything other than plain water for 8 hours prior to their arrival for this visit. 
 
• 
Body weight and temperature will be measured in all and menstrual history in females 
• 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential (i.e. women who are not at least 
1 year post-menopausal or who have not undergone a surgical sterilization procedure) 
• 
Subjects are asked to bring their morning dose of study drug to this visit for dosing as 
follows: 
o 
14N sodium nitrite 40 mg 
• 
Blood pressure, MAP, and heart rate will be measured in triplicate after approximately 30 
minutes of rest and quiet in the CTRC to ensure blood pressures are at a steady state 
before taking the study drug (baseline) and then every 15 minutes for the 2 hours post-
drug administration 
• 
Methemoglobin level by finger probe at 0 (trough prior to sodium nitrite), 0.5, 1 and 2 
hours post-drug administration  
• 
Research blood samples for plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations, red cell iron-
nitrosyl-hemoglobin and platelet studies at 0 (trough), 0.5 and 2 hours post-drug 
administration  


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
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______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
18 
 
• 
Assess for AEs during study testing 
• 
Standard meal following completion of 2 hour post-drug administration blood draw  
• 
72-hour food recall forms will be collected if already completed 
• 
Return blood pressure monitor and cuff for download 
 
The total volume of blood drawn is approximately 4 Tablespoons (or 48 mL). 
 
Visit 18 (Week 12: Third Completion Assessment Visit) 
This visit involves a percutaneous muscle biopsy. To prevent acute effects of exercise on muscle 
mitochondria function, the visit will occur 2-7 days after Visit 16 (the exercise visit). Subjects will 
be asked not to drink or eat anything other than plain water for 8 hours prior to their arrival for this 
visit. 
 
• 
History and physical examination, weight, and vital signs 
• 
Urine pregnancy test in females of child-bearing potential (i.e. women who are not at least 
1 year post-menopausal or who have not undergone a surgical sterilization procedure) 
• 
Fasting blood draw to include basic labs of estradiol level (in females), HbA1C, and lipid 
profile; research blood for ICAM-1, VCAM-1, e-Selectin, CRP, adiponectin, leptin, uric 
acid, PAI-1, IL-6, TNF-α and a sample for storage (approximately 3 Tablespoons of blood) 
• 
Subjects are asked to bring their morning dose of study drug to this visit for dosing prior 
to start of indirect calorimetry 
• 
Indirect calorimetry 
• 
Percutaneous muscle biopsy 
• 
Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp (22 Tablespoons of blood) 
• 
Meter blood sugar, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate will be performed 30 
minutes after completion of the clamp test to make sure they are returning to baseline 
before discharge home. 
• 
Regular meal after completion of clamp 
• 
Medication compliance review 
• 
AE assessment 
• 
72-hour food recall forms will be collected if not already returned 
• 
All remaining study drug will be collected since the last dispensing of drug earlier in the 
week (at Visit 16) 
 
The total volume of blood drawn is approximately 25 Tablespoons (370 mL). 
 
 
2.3.3. End of Trial and Follow-Up Period  
 
Visit 19 (Week 16: Post Study Drug Telephone Assessment) 
 
• 
Telephone assessment for interval histories and AEs.


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
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19 
 
Table 1. Study Assessment and Procedures 
 
Screening 
Baseline 
 
Treatment Period and Monitoring 
FU 
Visit 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
Week of Treatment 
- 
-4~-1 
-4~-1 
0 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
12 
12 
16 
Day of Treatment 
- 
-28~-7 
-28~-7 
1 
8 
15 
22 
29 
36 
43 
50 
57 
64 
71 
78 
85 
86-91 
87-92 
113 
Time Window 
 
 
V2 +2-
7d 
 
±7 
±7 
±7 
±7 
±7 
±7 
±7 
±7 
±7 
±7 
±7 
±7 
 
V16 +2-
7d 
±3 
Visit Type 
OP 
OP 
OP 
OP 
Phone 
OP 
Phone 
OP 
Phone 
OP 
Phone 
OP 
Phone 
OP 
Phone 
OP 
OP 
OP 
Phone 
Informed Consent / Eligibility Criteria  
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
History & Physical Exam 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Body Weight 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
x 
x 
 
Waist and hip circumference 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
Vital signs 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
Menstrual History (in females) 
x 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
Screening Laboratory Profile 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Urine Pregnancy Test (in females) 
 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
x 
x 
 
Methemoglobin % 
 
 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
 
x 
 
 
Estradiol Level (in females) 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
Research Labs 
 
 
x 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
 
x 
x 
 
Two Hour Safety Blood Sampling 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
Two Hour HR, MAP, and BP Monitoring 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
Hemoglobin & hematocrit 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
Food Questionnaire 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
Whole body DEXA Scan 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
Pulse Wave Velocity 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
Flow Mediated Dilation 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
24-hour ABPM 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
Hyperinsulinemic Euglycemic Clamp 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
Indirect Calorimetry 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
Muscle Biopsy 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
Exercise Testing 
 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
 
 
 
Meal/snack 
 
x 
x 
x 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
x 
x 
x 
 
AE Assessment 
 
x 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
Medication Compliance Review 
 
 
 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
Interval History Assessment  
 
 
x 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
x 
x 
Brief physical exam 
 
 
x 
 
x 
x 
x 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
x 
 
 
 
x 
 


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2.4 STUDY PROCEDURES 
 
2.4.1 Insulin Sensitivity Assessment 
Euglycemic-insulin clamp 
A 4-hour hyperinsulinemic (40 mU/m2/min) -euglycemic clamp will be performed at baseline (Visit 
3) and Week 12 (Visit 18) to evaluate in vivo insulin action in stimulating glucose disposal, 
oxidation, and nonoxidative disposal as described before25. Briefly, HumuLIN® R regular insulin 
will be infused at 40 mU/m2/min. Plasma glucose will be clamped between 85-95 mg/dL with a 
variable rate infusion of 20% dextrose in water. The rate of glucose infusion will be adjusted based 
on arterialized plasma glucose measurements every 5 minutes. Rates of glucose metabolism will 
be determined using a non-radioactive glucose isotope dilution method based on a primed, then 
constant infusion of the stable isotope of D-glucose [6,6-D2] 98+% enriched (0.22 µmol•kg-1, 17.6 
µmol•kg-1 prime). This will be continued during the insulin infusion to determine rates of systemic 
glucose utilization (peripheral insulin resistance) and to determine insulin suppression of hepatic 
glucose production (hepatic insulin resistance). The deuterium labeled glucose isotope chemical 
purity is provided by Isotec, Inc and is tested for sterility and pyrogenicity by the manufacturer 
before being shipped. The maximum amount of blood to be drawn during this test is 22 Tbsp (325 
mL). 
 
Basal substrate turnover   
At the fasting/baseline and end of the euglycemic clamp, basal postabsorptive glucose and fat 
turnover will be evaluated using a primed-continuous intravenous infusion of [6,6-D2]glucose25. 
Substrate oxidation will be measured by continuous indirect calorimetry (Parvomedics TrueOne, 
Sandy, UT). 
 
2.4.2. Systemic Arterial Vascular Function Assessments 
Prior to when vascular measurements begin, subjects will be asked to abstain from tobacco and 
caffeine and only to have a light breakfast that is low in fat. The subject’s height and weight will 
be measured and BMI calculated. The studies will be performed at baseline (Visit 2) and at Week 
12 (Visit 16) in a quiet, temperature-controlled clinic room in the Vascular Clinical and 
Translational Research Center (CTRC) at Montefiore University Hospital. The subject will be 
asked to rest for approximately 10 minutes before the testing so that they are in a relaxed state.   
 
Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) 
Pulse wave velocity will be performed non-invasively using SphygmoCor machine (AtCor Medical, 
Sydney, Australia. Model MM3. Software version 7.1) equipped with a single tonometric 
transducer SPT-304.  
 
Blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation will be measured on the same side as the peripheral 
pulse wave sampling using an automated digital oscillometric device and an average of three 
readings will be recorded. 
 
Transit distances for PWV will be assessed by surface measurements from the suprasternal notch 
to each pulse recording site (carotid and femoral arteries). Three ECG leads will be attached on 
the chest. Participants will be studied in the supine position after 10 minutes of rest. Tests will be 
performed in duplication and the study will take 30 minutes to conduct. 
 
Blood velocity will be calculated from the pulse wave time difference, simultaneous ECG recording 
and distance between the two locations with the integral software. The results will be reported as 


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the Pulse Wave Velocity (V=distance/time), which are a composite measure of the magnitude of 
pulse pressure and arterial stiffness in all the conduit arteries which affects wave reflection.  
 
Higher values indicate increased wave reflection from the periphery due to increased pulse wave 
pressure at stiffer arteries. Those techniques have been validated for their reproducibility and 
used extensively. 
 
Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) 
For assessment of early stages of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk, the carotid artery wall 
is examined to identify thickness of arterial wall constitute. Dedicated ultrasound imaging of the 
arterial wall produces double echogenic lines. Intima-media thickness (IMT) measurement is an 
averaged distance between two parallel lines representing the luminal intima and media- 
adventitia interface. Measurements are performed approximately two centimeters proximally to 
bifurcation divider at the posterior (far) vessel wall using automated edge detection software. 
 
An ultrasound machine GE VIVID-7 (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI), equipped with the high 
resolution 8L linear transducer will be used for imaging. Three ECG leads will be attached on the 
chest. A dedicated IMT setting and protocol will be used for scanning. Imaging will start with 
transversal carotid arteries sweep for general assessment. Longitudinal B-mode ultrasound cine-
loop (5 beats) of the distal common carotid artery, optimally with bifurcation, will be taken 
bilaterally. Horizontal image with double lines at the end of T wave will be selected. Measurement 
sample box will be placed approximately two centimeters proximally to bifurcation at the posterior 
(far) vessel wall. Semi-automated edge detection software, which traces the luminal intima and 
hypoechoic boundary between media and adventitia, calculates the distance between them in 
fast, accurate and repeatable manner. Averaged IMT values from each side in mm will be 
reported. The study will take 15 minutes to conduct. 
 
Flow Mediated Dilation (FMD) 
The assessment of endothelial function via Flow Mediated Dilation (FMD) has been proposed to 
represent a functional bioassay for endothelium - derived NO bioavailability in humans. Vascular 
reactivity will be quantified noninvasively using vascular ultrasound imaging. Flow and diameter 
changes of the brachial artery will be assessed with Duplex ultrasound images captured by a 
high-resolution linear array transducer. 
  
Blood pressure will be measured on the control arm using an automated blood pressure monitor 
(Model CONTEC08A) and an average of three readings will be recorded. Systolic BP <100 mmHg 
will be considered as cut off for performing the study.  
 
A long 5 cm wide occlusive cuff (Hokanson SC 5) with rapid release sphygmomanometer 
(Hokanson DS400) will be attached to an upper forearm approximately 5 cm below an elbow. 
Three ECG leads will be attached on the chest and lower forearms to capture ECG. Participants 
will be studied in the supine position after 10 minutes of rest. 
 
Brachial artery diameter and flow velocities will be examined by high resolution ultrasound 
machine GE VIVID-7 (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI), equipped with the 9-L linear transducer 
preset on specifically dedicated scanning protocol.  
 
Cine loop 2D baseline images at B mode (15 cycles) will be obtained at the highest optimal 
resolution following with spectral velocity Doppler imaging (20 cycles) with scale set 
approximately at 200 cm/s and sweep speed at 12.5 mm/s. The occlusion cuff will be manually 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
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______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
22 
 
inflated to 200 mmHg (or 50 mmHg above SBP) for 5 minutes and occlusion will be controlled by 
spectral Doppler mode. Endothelium-dependent flow mediated vasodilation of the artery will be 
captured in Duplex mode immediately after the cuff deflation by spectral Doppler waveform (20 
cycles) approximately at 200 cm/s and sweep speed at 12.5 mm/s. Cine loop 2D vasodilation 
images at B mode (15 cycles) will be captured through 3 minutes after deflation during hyperemic 
period. Heart rate and blood pressure will be measured once by automated blood pressure 
monitor (Model CONTEC08A) after testing. 
 
Images will be saved at ultrasound machine hard drive and transferred in archive format for 
analysis on separate equipment. The study will take 45 minutes to complete. 
 
2.4.3. Body Composition Assessment 
Whole body DEXA (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) Scan 
Body composition is very important for overall health. An excessive amount of body fat is a risk 
factor for heart disease, type II diabetes, and other diseases. DEXA scan is considered a gold 
standard for measuring bone density and regional (arms, trunk, and legs) as well as total body 
%fat, fat mass, bone mass, and lean mass. This regional, three compartment analysis is superior 
not only for an initial assessment, but also for tracking change of the total increase in muscle 
mass and the increase in muscle mass in the arms, trunk, and legs. A DEXA scan will take 
approximately 8-12 minutes in the Clinical and Translational Research Center (CTRC) at the 
Montefiore Hospital of UPMC and will be performed at baseline (Visit 2) and Week 12 (Visit 16). 
 
2.4.4. Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor (ABPM)  
This lightweight (12 oz) and compact device (~1x4.5x3.5 inches) can fit in a pant pocket or worn 
on a belt and attaches to a blood pressure cuff that measures blood pressure every 20 minutes 
during the waking hours and every 30 minutes during sleeping hours across a 24 hour time period. 
The ABPM will be placed at the completion of Visits 2 or 3 and 16 or 17 and worn for 24 hours. 
The subject will be instructed on how to remove and turn off the device at completion of the 24 
hours. They will then return the device at Visit 3 or 4 and Visit 17 or 18, 2-7 days later. Verbal and 
written instructions will be provided to the subjects at this visit before discharge home. It can be 
worn to work, while sleeping and driving. The cuff and monitor should only be removed when 
showering/bathing or swimming. 
 
2.4.5. Mitochondrial Function Studies 
Platelet mitochondrial studies 
In these studies, fresh platelets will be isolated from the blood and mitochondrial function and 
platelet activation measured. The analyses of mitochondrial function and platelet activation will 
potentially provide mechanistic information about the metabolic and thrombotic state of the 
patients at baseline as well as information about the mechanism by which nitrite modulate 
vascular and mitochondrial function in the subjects. 
 
At Visits 4 and 17, 8 mL each of blood will be taken at time 0, 0.5 and 2 hours (24mL total per 
visit) and will be used for platelet isolation and measurement of mitochondrial function. Fresh 
platelets will be isolated and analyzed by extracellular flux analysis and platelet activation by flow 
cytometry in the lab of affiliated investigator, Dr. Sruti Shiva, at the University of Pittsburgh. A 
single sample will also be collected at Visit 10 (week 6) to examine the temporal relationship of 
whether there is a dissipating effect over time on platelet mitochondrial function.  
 
Muscle mitochondrial studies 


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Percutaneous muscle biopsy: The muscle biopsy will be performed early in the morning of Visit 
3 and Visit 18. The biopsy site will be monitored over 6 hours until completion of all of the visit 
testing. An ice pack will be applied for 20 minutes after the biopsy. The subject will be given 
instructions about how to care for the incision site and provided with the telephone numbers of 
the investigators to call if they have any problems. 
 
The EMRC group has performed more than 800 muscle biopsies during the past 16 years, and 
more than 200 just in the past year. In the CTRC on the morning prior to the glucose clamp, i.e., 
during fasting conditions, a percutaneous muscle biopsy of the vastus lateralis will be performed. 
High-resolution respirometry: Mitochondrial respiratory capacity will be measured in 
permeabilized muscle fibers from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies (Oroboros Oxygraph 2K, 
Innsbruck, Austria). The instrument has two chambers, which permits high-resolution respiration 
measurements to be made in duplicate with low amounts of muscle tissue (2mg). The O2K assay 
allows a comprehensive evaluation of mitochondrial respiratory function upon titration with 
electron transport chain (ETC) complex-specific inhibitors and substrates28,29. Measurement of 
H2O2 emission by mitochondria will be measured from permeabilized muscle fiber bundles by real 
time monitoring of Amplex Red oxidation using HPLC detection30. Maximal State 3 (coupled) 
respiration and maximal State 4 (uncoupled) respiration will be measured as the primary 
mitochondrial function parameters. As a measure of mitochondria inner membrane content in 
muscle biopsies, we will measure cardiolipin content; a phospholipid unique to mitochondrial inner 
membrane. A HPLC assay with fluorescence labeling will be used for measurements of the 
content and specific species of cardiolipin as an index of mitochondrial remodeling, in <10mg of 
biopsy material. 
 
2.4.6 Exercise Testing 
Subjects will perform an exercise test on a stationary bicycle ergometer (Lode Excaliber, 
Gronigen, The Netherlands) in the Exercise Physiology Laboratory in the EMRC. The test will 
begin with a warm-up of light pedaling. Then each subject will perform two, 4-min standardized 
workloads of 25 and 50 Watts so that steady-state VO2 can be achieved. This will provide 
important information about whole body metabolic efficiency that may be linked with the 
intervention. After the submaximal workloads are completed, they will continue with 2-min stages 
of incrementally greater workloads of 25 Watts until a maximal voluntary effort is attained to 
assess maximal O2 consumption as a measure of maximal cardiorespiratory fitness. The EMRC 
has performed similar tests in more than 1,000 volunteers ranging from elderly women in their 
80’s to highly trained athletes. 
 
2.4.7. Laboratory Profiles 
Basic Laboratory Profiles 
Basic laboratory profile of peripheral blood will be analyzed through the clinical laboratories at 
Presbyterian Hospital of UPMC clinical automated testing lab and at Esoterix. Presbyterian 
Hospital of UPMC testing will include:  
 
• 
Triglycerides, HDL, fasting glucose, TSH, hemoglobin and hematocrit at screening (Visit 1)  
• 
CBC, creatinine, AST and ALT at baseline assessment visit (Visit 3) 
• 
HbA1C and lipid profile at baseline assessment visit (Visit 3) and week 12 follow-up 
assessment visit (Visit 18)   
• 
Methemoglobin % by co-oximetry (Visits 4 through 15 and 17) 
 
Esoterix testing (in females) will include estradiol at baseline assessment visit (Visit 3) and week 
12 follow-up assessment visit (Visit 18).    


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24 
 
 
Research Laboratory Profiles 
Samples will be analyzed for nitrite and nitrate by gas phase ozone-based chemiluminescence 
detection27. Blood samples will be processed and analyzed in the Core NO (Nitric Oxide) 
Metabolomics Facility at the University of Pittsburgh, under the supervision of the Sponsor, Dr. 
Gladwin.  
 
Fasting laboratory testing at baseline (Visit 3) and week 12 follow-up assessment visit (Visit 18) 
will include hsCRP, uric acid, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, e-Selectin, adiponectin, leptin, PAI-1, IL-6, and 
TNF-α for a total of approximately 2 Tablespoons (30 mL). 
 
2.4.8. 72 hour dietary food recall 
Subjects will be asked to complete dietary food recalls of the prior 72 hours. These will be 
collected at baseline visit (Visit 3) and week 12 follow-up visit (Visit 15 or 16) to assess for 
dietary nitrate and nitrite consumption. 
 
 
2.5 STUDY ENDPOINTS 
 
2.5.1 Primary End-Points  
Primary outcome measure: change in insulin sensitivity (ie. insulin stimulated glucose disposal) 
by hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp 
 
2.5.2. Secondary End-Points  
Secondary outcome measures:  
1.  Change in systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressures from baseline to 12 weeks 
2.  Change in muscle and platelet reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mitochondrial 
efficiency, and uncoupling in platelet and muscle biopsy sample studies 
3.  Change in endothelial function by flow mediated dilation (FMD) 
4.  Change in body weight 
5.  Change in arterial stiffening by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) 
6.  Change in arterial (intimal) thickening by intima-media thickness (IMT)   
7.  Change in HbA1C  
8.  Change in blood markers of inflammation, and vascular dysfunction: ICAM-1, VCAM-1, e-
Selectin, CRP, PAI-1, IL-6, TNF-α, lipid profile, adiponectin, and leptin 
9.  Change in substrate oxidation by indirect calorimetry 
10.Change in cardiorespiratory fitness by maximal exercise tolerance test 
11.Change in body composition by whole body DEXA for total body fat  
12.Safety monitoring with every other week methemoglobin by co-oximetry and PK obtained 
plasma nitrate and nitrite concentrations by chemiluminescence and red cell iron-nitrosyl-
hemoglobin 
 
 
2.6 STATISTICAL ANALYSIS 
 
Primary endpoint sample size estimates: To develop sample size estimates, we hypothesize that 
inorganic nitrite will have significant but perhaps slightly less robust effects compared to a 4-month 
supervised exercise weight loss intervention. We anticipate an effect size (improvement) in insulin 
stimulated glucose uptake of ~1.68 mg/min/kg fat free mass (FFM) with dietary nitrite. This 
represents just 60% of the effect size we have observed with diet and exercise (based on a mean 


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Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
25 
 
improvement in insulin sensitivity from 6.70 ± 2.0 (SD) to 9.51 ± 2.5 mg/min/kg FFM; n=25). This 
would provide 80% power to detect this conservatively-estimated smaller effect size in 30 subjects 
at a p value of 0.05. 
 
Primary and secondary endpoint analyses: Repeated measures ANOVA with visit (pre-, post-
treatment) as the within-subject effect will be used to evaluate response to treatment for primary 
and secondary endpoint measures of insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial function (muscle and 
platelet ROS generation, mitochondrial efficiency, and uncoupling by various platelet and muscle 
biopsy samples), BP, methemoglobin %, endothelial function (FMD), body weight, arterial 
stiffening (PWV), arterial thickening (IMT), glucose tolerance (HbA1C), blood markers of 
inflammation 
and 
vascular 
dysfunction, 
substrate 
oxidation 
(indirect 
calorimetry), 
cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal exercise tolerance test), and body composition (whole body 
DEXA for total body fat). Data will be presented as the mean ± standard error for continuous 
variables. Transformations will be considered for data demonstrating non-normal distributions. 
 
An interim statistical analysis is planned following completion of the 10th subject. If there is a 
statistically significant change in the primary outcome measure of insulin sensitivity with p<0.001, 
discontinuation of the trial will occur. If p>0.001, the trial will continue. Based on an extremely low 
p value to stop the trial, there will be no need to adjust final significance level.   
 
 
 
 
3.  HUMAN SUBJECTS 
 
 
3.1 SUBJECT POPULATION 
 
The anticipated age range for the study population will be 18-60 years of age based upon the 
target disease population. Twenty overweight/obese subjects (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) with any ethnic 
background who have a confirmed diagnosis of hypertension and meet waist circumference 
criteria will be eligible for enrollment. All subjects must provide written informed consent prior to 
participation.    
 
3.1.1 Inclusion of Women and Minority 
Women who meet the inclusion criteria, and have none of the exclusion criteria, will be enrolled 
without restriction as dictated by the study protocols.  Because of the use of a study medication, 
woman of child bearing potential must meet specialized inclusion/exclusion criteria to minimize this 
risk. We will make efforts to enroll participants in this research in a distribution which mirrors the 
study population of the Pittsburgh area.   
 
3.1.2 Inclusion of Children 
This investigation will not enroll children based upon the target disease population and lack of safety 
data in adults. 
 
 
3.2 INCLUSION CRITERIA 
 
Potential study subjects must satisfy the following criteria to be enrolled in the study: 


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______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
26 
 
 
• 
Age 18-60 years old  
• 
BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2 
• 
Hypertension: defined as systolic blood pressure ≥130 and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥85 
mm Hg at screening  
• 
Waist circumference: >102 cm in men, >88 cm in women 
 
The age and blood pressure criteria are specific to baseline screening at Visit 1. If subjects for 
instance have a birthday after Visit 1 or develop BPs outside of the screening criteria after drug 
dosing at Visit 4 or at subsequent visits, they will not be excluded. For safety purposes, subjects 
however can be excluded based on low mean arterial pressures (MAP) that persist on repeat 
PK testing on lower dose of study drug.   
 
 
3.3 EXCLUSION CRITERIA 
 
Subjects meeting any of the following exclusion criteria at baseline will be excluded from 
participating in the study: 
  
• 
Positive urine pregnancy test or breastfeeding 
• 
Recent addition or change in dosing of hormonal contraception medications (OCP, 
IUD, DepoProvera) 
• 
Concurrent use of medications affecting glucose (oral hypoglycemics, insulin, 
atypical antipsychotics) 
• 
Current use of ≥3 anti-hypertensive agents regardless of blood pressure control or 
normotensive (SBP<130 and DBP<85 mmHg) on a single agent 
• 
Current use of PD5 inhibitors or organic nitrates 
• 
Not stable on treatments for the prior three months or not planning to remain on 
current dose of medications for blood pressure, contraception, etc. 
• 
Chronic psychiatric or medical conditions including diabetes, liver or kidney disease 
or obesity syndromes  
• 
TSH >8 mIU/mL 
• 
Smoker 
• 
Hemoglobin <11 g/dL 
 
 
 
 
4.  RECRUITMENT AND INFORMED CONSENT PROCEDURES 
 
 
4.1 RECRUITMENT METHODS 
 
The potential study subjects will be recruited from university and community advertisements and 
the University of Pittsburgh Nutrition and Obesity Research Center registry.   
 
Potential subjects will also be identified by the physician investigator who is also the primary care 
or treating physician. The physician investigator who already has knowledge of and access to 
subjects' information will review the subjects’ records to identify potential research subjects for 


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Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
27 
 
the study. After identifying potentially eligible subjects, the physician investigator will then 
approach these subjects to discuss the research opportunity.  
 
To minimize the possibility that subjects will feel obligated to participate, investigators will 
reinforce with their subjects that participation is voluntary, that they do not have to participate, and 
the decision not to participate will not affect their care, now or in the future. The physician 
investigator will also allow subjects to make further inquiries if they are interested. 
 
 
4.2 INFORMED CONSENT PROCEDURES 
 
Subjects must provide informed consent. The information about this study will be given to the 
subject in language understandable to them. Either the physician investigator or a non-physician 
member of the research team will present the study. They will verbally present a general outline 
of the research plan, including inclusion and exclusion criteria, to the prospective participant. The 
consent form, outlining the design of the study, will include the risks and benefits of participating, 
and will be reviewed and the physician investigator and/or non-physician member of the research 
team will answer any questions. Prospective participants may take as much time as required to 
make an informed decision. Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant and 
the investigator prior to performing any research study procedures. 
 
 
 
 
5.  POTENTIAL RISKS AND BENEFITS 
 
 
5.1 POTENTIAL RISKS 
5.1.1 Risk of Experimental Drug Intervention 
Numerous studies have evaluated acute, subacute and chronic drinking water exposures of nitrite 
in laboratory animals and drinking water and dietary exposures in humans. Recent studies are 
available using a high dose of nitrite by oral route in the form of beet root juice. Recent studies 
have evaluated acute exposures of oral preparations of nitrite on PK and blood pressure and are 
characterized below. More extensive human data is available on parenteral sodium nitrite as it is 
currently available and approved by the FDA for use in the emergency treatment of cyanide 
poisoning31,32. It is also notable that neutrapharmaceutical preparations are currently being sold 
with levels of nitrite (12.7 mg per tablet). 
   
Nitrite:  
Sodium nitrite has been used commercially as a food preservative, an anti-corrosive agent, a 
coloring agent, and an anti-anginal agent, with additional uses in laxatives, burn ointments, and 
liniments. Amyl nitrite has been inhaled or ingested as an euphoric stimulant.  Nitrite has also 
been found as a contaminant in well water. Literature searches generated case reports of nausea, 
vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, headache, flushing, cyanosis, tachypnea, dyspnea, 
hypotension and death attributed to excess nitrite (high-dose) exposure from these sources as a 
consequence of methemoglobinemia due to oxidation of heme-iron in oxyhemoglobin. Normal 
background methemoglobin production is 1-3%. If levels of methemoglobin rise above 
approximately 30% of total hemoglobin, a subject may appear cyanotic and experience dyspnea, 
due to the reduced oxygen carrying capacity of hemoglobin (methemoglobin cannot bind oxygen). 
Levels above 50% can cause seizures, hypotension, coma and death. Sodium nitrite 


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______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
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administration for cyanide poisoning at the labeled dosage of 300 mg causes 
methemoglobinemia, a desirable effect, as methemoglobin binds to cyanide, thus protecting 
cellular mitochondria. A standard dose of nitrite used for cyanide poisoning is 300 mg up to 600 
mg. Note that methemoglobin levels have never risen higher than 3% at the currently used 
therapeutic doses (< 75 mg) in 80 volunteers in phase I studies at the NIH. 
   
The Sponsor of this study proposal, Dr. Gladwin, has previously held an IND for sodium nitrite 
(IND # 70,411) for cardiovascular applications and currently has an approved IND for the use of 
sodium nitrite for lung transplant recipients (IND # 111,643). The cardiovascular IND involved the 
administration of sodium nitrite to 69 normal volunteers in 4 phase I-II clinical trials without 
observed adverse effects. He has also treated 11 subjects with sickle cell disease on this IND 
without observed adverse effects. The lower doses of nitrite used in these investigational 
treatment regimens – 60-120mg daily or 20-40% of the dose (300mg) used in the emergency 
treatment of cyanide poisoning – do not produce methemoglobin levels greater than 3% and have 
not been associated with clinically significant hypotension. There have been no adverse events 
noted in the 80 treated normal human volunteers and patients with sickle cell disease disease33-
35. In another study by Gladwin et al., 18 healthy adults received an infusion of sodium nitrite 
totaling 75 mg (15 minutes each x 2 infusions). This was associated with a 7 mmHg decrease in 
mean arterial pressure, a peak methemoglobin of less 3% and no other significant effects34. Note 
this single dose is 1.9 times the single dose per time of day we plan to use in this trial.  
 
In an open-label three-way crossover study, 9 healthy adult subjects received two single high 
dose oral sodium nitrite aqueous solutions (0.12 and 0.06 mmol NaNo2/mmol Hb, equivalent to 
290-380 mg and 140-190 mg sodium nitrite, respectively, depending on the total body hemoglobin 
level of the person) and one intravenous sodium nitrite dose (0.12 mmol NaNo2/mmol Hb)18. Note 
that this is 1.2-3.2 times the daily dose we plan to use in this trial. There was a washout period of 
at least 7 days between each of the treatments. Mild headache occurred in 44-55% of subjects 
and was the most frequent complaint during each treatment session, which the authors ascribed 
to the sodium nitrite, not methemoglobinemia, as the percentage of methemoglobinemia stayed 
below clinically toxic levels (<15%). By report, up to 22% experienced nausea, which subsided 
within half an hour18. The pharmacokinetic analysis of this study indicated similar bioavailability 
of oral and IV delivery of nitrite, as well as similar side effect and safety profiles. 
 
A recent study determined the safety and feasibility of prolonged intravenous nitrite infusion. 
Twelve adult volunteers received increasing starting doses of sodium nitrite, 4.2 to 533.8 μg/kg/hr 
for 48 hours. Dose limiting toxicity occurred at 445.7 μg/kg/hr (10.6 mg/kg/day) and was limited 
to asymptomatic transient decreases of arterial blood pressure of up to 20 mmHg and 
asymptomatic increases of methemoglobin levels above 5%. No tolerance or clinically significant 
rebound was observed36. Note, this is 8.2 times the daily dose we plan to use in this trial (based 
on an adult body weight of 95 kg). 
 
For nitrite, two retrospective case-control studies have shown that high maternal dietary nitrite 
intake from cured meat or drinking water during pregnancy might be associated with risk of 
childhood brain tumors and possibly gastric and esophageal cancer. This evidence is only based 
on retrospective case-control studies; cohort studies have found no significantly increased risks24. 
 
In the 2001 National Toxicology Program (NTP) Report summarizing 2-year rodent drinking water 
studies, there was no evidence of carcinogenic activity of sodium nitrite in male or female F344/N 
rats exposed to up to 130 mg/kg/day in males and 150 mg/kg/day in females, or in male B6C3F1 
mice exposed to up to 220 mg/kg/day. There was equivocal evidence of carcinogenic activity of 


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______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
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sodium nitrite in the highest dose of 165 mg/kg/day in female B6C3F1 mice based on the positive 
trend in the incidences of squamous cell papilloma or carcinoma (combined) of the forestomach. 
Exposure to sodium nitrite in drinking water resulted in increased incidences of epithelial 
hyperplasia in the forestomach. However, no chromosomal damage (genetic toxicity) was 
observed in three studies conducted in rats and mice in vivo37. Taken together, these findings 
suggest minimal carcinogenic nitrite-mediated risk. 
 
In the current study, we will use much lower doses of nitrite than used safely in any of these 
studies. Our nitrite dose of 20 mg three times daily stepping up to 40 mg three times daily is lower 
than the dose used on the cardiovascular IND and <40% of the dose for cyanide poisoning.  
 
To summarize, we anticipate the following symptoms by organ system and likely frequency of 
risk: 
Gastrointestinal 
• 
Common: none 
• 
Frequent: none 
• 
Infrequent: dry mouth 
• 
Rare: nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting 
Hematologic 
• 
Common: none 
• 
Frequent: none 
• 
Rare: methemoglobinemia 
Cardiovascular 
• 
Common: none 
• 
Frequent: none 
• 
Rare: flushing, tachycardia, hypotension 
Neurologic 
• 
Common: none 
• 
Frequent: none 
• 
Rare:  headache, dizziness, seizure, coma 
Respiratory 
• 
Common: none 
• 
Frequent: none 
• 
Rare: tachypnea, dyspnea, cyanosis 
 
 
5.1.2 Risk of Study Procedures 
 
The collection of the research data from history and physical examination such as body weight, 
height and vital signs carries minimal risk. Intravenous blood sampling risks of bruising, infection, 
anemia, and fainting are common. The clamp study involves likely risk of discomfort associated 
from two venipunctures. The infusion of 20% sugar water during the clamp may cause local tissue 
damage if it leaks outside the vein. However, the chances for this happening are minimal because 
of very close observation by the nurse and doctor. Hematoma formation and hypoglycemia are 
rare complications, which we have not had since clamp experiments were initiated 16 years ago. 
The stable isotope glucose tracer in the amount used has no hazardous effects.  
 
The risks of percutaneous muscle biopsy are bleeding and infection (both rare), bruising 
(infrequent) and discomfort (likely). With the use of a local anesthetic, our subjects describe the 


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Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
30 
 
discomfort of muscle biopsy as about twice that of intravenous cannulation. Some residual 
stiffness in the vastus lateralis can persist for 1-2 days (common). An elastic wrap and ice bag 
are applied post-biopsy to decrease the risk of bruising and for an anesthetic effect. In our 
experience using similar protocols, subjects have not experienced any adverse effects from these 
procedures other than a small amount of residual localized soreness at the biopsy site. Additional 
risk includes any unusual reaction to the elastic bandage wrap and ice, i.e. leg numbness which 
would indicate the elastic bandage had been applied too tightly or the ice left on too long; or any 
skin redness, irritation, and chafing from the applied antibiotic ointment and/or steri-strips. 
 
The exercise test (VO2max) and subsequent exercise training sessions may cause muscle 
soreness or fatigue, but in adults without a known history of heart disease, the risk of heart attack 
or death from maximal or sub-maximal exercise bouts is rare. The relative risk of exercise testing 
for obese adults has not been clearly defined. However, a survey of more than 2,000 clinical 
exercise testing laboratories, in which more than 600,000 tests were performed, showed a death 
rate of approximately 1 per 20,000. 
 
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) criteria will be used to halt exercise testing. In 
addition to ACSM criteria, the exercise test will be stopped if the subject has either signs or 
symptoms of cardiovascular compensation, e.g. hypotensive response to exercise. These 
exercise tests will be interpreted by a physician at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. 
The staff conducting maximal exercise tests are ACLS certified. The Exercise Physiology 
Laboratory has a crash cart with emergency equipment (including a defibrillator-monitor, airway 
equipment, IV sets and fluids, syringes, needles, Lidocaine, Epinephrine, Nitroglycerine, etc.) and 
will be present during maximal exercise testing.  
 
The radiation dose of the whole body DEXA is approximately 3 mrems. For comparison, adult 
radiation workers are permitted, by Federal regulation, to receive a maximum whole body 
radiation dose of 5000 mrems/year and a maximum single organ radiation dose of 50,000 
mrem/year. There is no minimum level of radiation exposure that is considered totally free of the 
potential risk of causing genetic changes (cellular abnormalities) or cancer. However, the risk 
associated with the amount of radiation exposure that the subject will receive from participation 
in this research study is considered to be low and comparable to everyday risks. Menstruating 
females in the reproductive age group must have a negative pregnancy test within 24 hours prior 
to each of these studies in order to reduce the potential for exposing a fetus to radiation. 
 
During the FMD test, the occlusion cuff will be placed on a subject’s arm and will stay inflated for 
5 minutes. The cuff could cause minor pain, possible bruising, numbness, tingling and irritation to 
the patient’s skin. The subject will be asked to lie still on their back for 30 minutes during the test; 
this could cause stiffness or dizziness.   
 
The risks associated with carotid Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) and Pulse Wave Velocity 
measurements are rare and include mild discomfort at the sites on the neck or groin where the 
ultrasound probe or tonometer are placed or sites on the neck, chest or groin where the skin is 
marked with a marker. The ECG electrodes will stick to the subject’s skin and sometimes, when 
the electrodes are pulled off, the subject can experience slight irritation of the skin. 
 
The risks associated with the ambulatory blood pressure monitor (ABPM) are rare and include a 
feeling of pressure, bruising, or irritation at the site where the blood pressure cuff is worn.   
 


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There is a potential risk of stress and anxiety while participating in this study. It is likely that at 
least mild anxiety will occur while the subject is hospitalized to participate in this study.  There is 
a potential of developing an infection (viral or bacterial) while in the hospital because of exposure 
to sick patients. We will try to not pair participants to share a hospital room with a sick patient. 
Participants will not have tests that have more than a minimal risk of causing an infection. In our 
experience, the risk of developing an infection while at the CTRC is minimal.  
 
5.2 ALTERNATIVE TREATMENTS 
 
The alternative treatments for the subjects participating in this investigation are to continue their 
medical care under the direction of their primary physicians. 
 
 
5.3 POTENTIAL BENEFITS 
 
Participation in the proposed research may or may not provide a direct benefit to participants in 
this research. This research involves an intervention or procedure that presents greater than 
minimal risk to the involved adults, but which holds out the potential for direct individual benefit. 
The risk is justified by the extent of potential benefit to the involved adults; which includes possibly 
revealing previously-undiagnosed morbidities commonly seen in obesity such as hyperlipidemia, 
impaired fasting glucose, or type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, they will have their percentage 
and distribution of body fat assessed by DEXA, an important piece of information should the 
individuals choose to enter a weight management program after the completion of the study. This 
data has also been shown to predict cardiovascular and diabetogenic risk, information that is 
important for an overweight/obese subject. Also, assessments of baseline cardiovascular health 
will be made. This data is important for these overweight/obese subjects. Information obtained 
from the proposed research will provide information about the relationship between metabolic 
syndrome and hypertension treatment and patient outcome. 
 
Based on the preceding assessment of risks and potential benefits, the risks to subjects are 
reasonable in relation to anticipated benefits. The research presents a balance of risks and 
expected direct benefits similar to that available in the clinical setting. 
 
 
5.4 DATA SAFETY MONITORING PLAN 
      
5.4.1 Data Safety Monitoring Board 
 
The local Data Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) will be comprised of members including experts 
in endocrinology, exercise physiology, clinical research, and clinical trial design, biostatistics, and 
research ethics. The DSMB will conduct interim monitoring of accumulating data from research 
activities to assure the continue safety of human subjects, relevance and appropriateness of the 
study, and the integrity of research data. 
 
5.4.2 Data Safety Monitoring Plan 
 
Assuring patient safety is an essential component of this protocol. The study Investigator has 
primary responsibility for the oversight of the data and safety monitoring. The study sub-
investigators will evaluate all adverse events.  All subjects who have AEs, whether considered 
associated with the use of the study medication or not, must be monitored to determine the 


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outcome.  The clinical course of the AE will be followed up according to accepted standards of 
medical practice, even after the end of the period of observation, until a satisfactory explanation 
is found or the Investigator considers it medically justifiable to terminate follow-up. 
 
The study coordinators must view patient records for possible adverse events until 72 hours after 
the last dose of study drug. All untoward medical occurrences observed in subjects receiving the 
study drug will be recorded on the participants’ adverse event case report forms (CRF) by the 
study coordinator under the supervision of the Investigator. The CRFs will then be reviewed for 
completeness and internal consistency. Subsequently, the CRFs will be recorded on an electronic 
password-guarded study database.  The electronic database that is being used for the purpose 
of this study has not been fully validated to be in compliance with the FDA regulations at 21 CFR 
Part 11; i.e. taking into account the limited scope of this clinical investigation. In addition to internal 
safeguards built into a computerized system, external safeguards will be put in place to ensure 
that access to the computerized system and to the data is restricted to authorized personnel. 
Training conducted by qualified individuals on a continuing basis will be provided to individuals in 
the specific operations with regard to computerized systems that they are to perform during the 
course of the study.  
 
The Investigator will work with the reporting sponsor and sub-investigator to prepare a detailed 
written summary of serious, unexpected, and treatment related adverse events, and will compare, 
and contrast the event with prior events. The detailed written summary will be provided to the 
local DSMB and the IRB.  
 
In addition, the DSMB Report addressing the following information will be submitted to the IRB at 
the time of continuing review annually or more often as required: 
 
• 
A list of the research personnel who participated in the data and safety monitoring. 
 
• 
The frequency of monitoring that took place during the renewal intervals and/or the 
dates that data and safety monitoring was conducted. 
 
• 
A summary of cumulative data related to unanticipated problems (including adverse 
events) including a determination of causality and whether the risk to benefit 
assessment has changed. 
 
• 
If appropriate, a summary of pertinent scientific literature reports, therapeutic 
developments, or results of related studies that may have an impact on the safety of 
study participants or the ethics of the research study. 
 
• 
A summary of the outcome of reviews conducted to ensure subject privacy and 
research data confidentiality. 
 
• 
Final conclusions regarding changes to the anticipated benefit-to-risk assessment of 
the study participation and final recommendations related to continuing, changing, 
or terminating the study. 
 
Stopping Rule: 
For safety reasons, we propose to discontinue this study protocol once 2 subjects enrolled 
experience one of two of the following on repeat PK testing despite appropriate nitrite dose 
reduction as follows: 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
33 
 
 
1. Methemoglobin greater than 5%. A nitrite dose reduction is proposed from 40 mg three 
times daily to 20 mg three times daily if this methemoglobin % is reached at any study 
visit. Two hour PK testing will be repeated on a separate day at the lower nitrite dose 
once two subjects have reached this initial methemoglobin threshold. If methemoglobin 
is greater than 5% on the lower nitrite dose, participation in the study for the subject will 
be discontinued. 
2. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) decrease <55 mmHg, or if subject's baseline MAP is <60, 
and there is a decrease greater than or equal to 20% from their baseline (on the morning 
of receiving study drug). A nitrite dose reduction is proposed from 40 mg to 20 mg three 
times daily if this MAP threshold is reached. Two hour PK testing will be repeated on a 
separate day at the lower nitrite dose once two subjects have reached this initial MAP 
threshold. If MAP remains <55 mmHg or in the case of the subject with a baseline MAP 
<60, then if MAP decrease is greater than or equal to 20% from baseline on the lower 
dose, subject participation in the study will be discontinued. 
3. Positive pregnancy test. 
4. In the event that the medication compliance rate is <80%, subjects will be re-educated 
on medication compliance. If medication compliance repeatedly falls outside of the 
acceptable range, the study investigators will discuss subject eligibility for continued 
participation in the study. 
 
If an unexpected fatal event or any of the above three life-threatening events occur despite dose 
reduction, the study will be halted, until data review by investigators and the Data Safety 
Monitoring Board has rendered a final recommendation about study continuation. 
 
5.4.3 Parameters to be Monitored 
The following progress will be monitored throughout the course of the research to ensure the 
safety of subjects as well as the integrity and confidentiality of their data. 
 
• 
An evaluation of the progress of the research study, including subject recruitment 
and retention, and an assessment of the timeliness and quality of the data. 
 
• 
A review of collected data (including adverse events, unanticipated problems, and 
subject withdrawals) to determine whether there is a change to the anticipated 
benefit-to-risk assessment of study participation and whether the study should 
continue as originally designed, should be changed, or should be terminated. 
 
• 
An assessment of external factors or relevant information (eg. pertinent scientific 
literature reports or therapeutic development, results of related studies) that may 
have an impact on the safety and study participants or the ethics of the research 
study. 
 
• 
A review of study procedures designed to protect the privacy of the research subjects 
and the confidentiality of their research data. 
 
The severity of adverse changes in physical signs or symptoms will be classified as follows: 
 
• 
Grade 1 (Mild): asymptomatic or mild symptoms; clinical or diagnostic observation only; 
intervention not indicated. 
 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
34 
 
• 
Grade 2 (Moderate): minimal, local or noninvasive intervention indicated; limiting age-
appropriate ADL (Activities of Daily Living). 
 
• 
Grade 3 (Severe): medically significant but not immediately life-threatening; 
hospitalization or prolongation of hospitalization indicated; disabling; limiting self care 
ADL. 
 
• 
Grade 4 (Life-threatening): consequences; urgent intervention indicated. 
 
• 
Grade 5 (Death): event is a direct cause of death. 
 
5.4.4 Frequency of Monitoring 
The Investigator will review subject safety data as it is generated. The Investigator, sub-
investigators, and the research staff will meet on a two week interval to re-evaluate study goals, 
subject recruitment, data coding and retention, documentation and identification of adverse 
events, complaints and confidentiality of subjects. There will be an evaluation of the progress of 
the research study, including assessments of data quality, time lines, participant recruitment, 
accrual, and retention. The Investigator will also review the outcome and adverse event data to 
determine whether there is any change to the anticipated benefit-to-risk ratio of study participation 
and whether the study should continue as originally designed or should it be re-evaluated and 
changed. 
  
The DSMB will also be expected to meet as needed, but not less than, every six months to provide 
an overall summary status report to the regulatory agencies. 
 
5.4.5 Reportable Adverse Events 
 
For this study, a serious adverse event is any untoward clinical event that is thought by the 
investigator to be study-related, that is also: 
 
1. Fatal or immediately life threatening 
2. Permanently disabling, or severely incapacitating. 
3. Requires or prolongs inpatient hospitalization.   
4. Important medical events that may not result in death, be life threatening, or require 
    hospitalization may be considered serious adverse events when, based upon appropriate 
medical judgment, they may jeopardize the patient, or subject, and may require medical, 
or surgical intervention to prevent one of the serious outcomes listed above. 
 
If clinically important and unexpected adverse experiences, or clinically important study-related 
adverse experiences occur, they will be recorded on the adverse event case report form.    
 
5.4.6 Adverse Events Reporting Timeline 
 
Life-threatening or fatal unexpected adverse events associated with the use of the study drug or 
procedures must be reported to the DSMB and the IRB within 24 hours of discovery of the incident 
with subsequent follow-up submission of a detailed written report. 
 
The FDA must be notified by telephone or facsimile transmission of a human adverse event that 
is fatal or life-threatening no later than 7 calendar days after receiving the respective human 
adverse event information, followed by the subsequent submission of a written IND Safety Report. 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
35 
 
 
Serious and unexpected adverse events associated with the use of the study drug or procedures 
must be reported to the DSMB and the IRB with subsequent follow-up submission of a detailed 
written report in accordance with the respective policies and procedures of the IRB. Written IND 
Safety Reports will be submitted to the FDA as soon as possible and, in no event, later than 15 
calendar days following the investigator-sponsor’s receipt of the respective adverse event 
information. 
 
A summary report of the DSMB’s findings will be prepared and submitted to the regulatory 
agencies. 
 
 
5.5 RISKS MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES 
 
5.5.1 Protection Against Risks  
General Risks of Study Protocol and Procedures 
All research interventions/activities will be conducted in private patient care areas. The collection 
of sensitive information about subjects is limited to the amount necessary to achieve the aims of 
the research, so that no unneeded sensitive information is being collected. 
 
All demographic and clinical information about the subject will be stored on an electronic 
password-guarded study database under the supervision of the Investigator for this protocol. The 
electronic database that is being used for the purpose of this study has not been fully validated to 
be in compliance with the FDA regulations at 21 CFR Part 11; i.e. taking into account the limited 
scope of this clinical investigation. The data will be stripped of individual identifiers and stored 
anonymously with a subject number. Information linking subject identifiers with the coded subject 
number will be stored under password protection on computers in locked areas, with access only 
to the database manager. Maintaining records in locked files in locked offices will protect 
confidentiality of subjects. All staff will sign confidentiality statements. Access to the database will 
be limited to the data manager and staff under the supervision of the Investigator. 
 
Specimens will be stripped of subject identifiers and stored according to a similar coding protocol 
as described above. These specimens will be stored safely in the custody of the Investigator 
responsible for the individual assays. The Investigators will limit future access to any remaining 
sample to only those investigators with prior IRB approval for their studies. 
 
All staff involved in this study are properly credentialed and instructed in the areas of testing, 
confidentiality, and safety.  
 
The Investigator will retain the data for the entire period of this study. The Investigator may 
continue to use and disclose subjects’ de-identified information for the purpose of this study for a 
minimum of seven years after final reporting or publication of the study. If the subject and/or legal 
representative decide to withdraw or be withdrawn from study participation, they may request that 
the study data and samples be destroyed. 
 
5.5.2 Protection Against Potential Risks of Experimental Intervention 
 
• 
Involvement by trained staff / investigators with experience in the administration of the 
study drug 
 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
36 
 
• 
Continuous monitoring by the Data and Safety Monitoring Board 
 
• 
Required Education in the Protection of Human Research Participants 
 
The Investigator and all sub-investigators listed on University of Pittsburgh Institutional Review 
Board approved protocol are required to participate in a course entitled The Education and 
Certification Program in Research & Practice Fundamentals (RPF).  This web based tutorial is a 
requirement of the IRB for protocol submission.  
 
 
 
 
6.  COSTS AND PAYMENTS 
 
 
6.1 COSTS 
 
Study drug and all research testing will be supported by ongoing research grants. All medications, 
lab tests, and any procedures described will not be billed to the subjects and/or their health 
insurance company.  
 
6.2 PAYMENTS 
 
Subjects will be reimbursed $200 for the baseline study visits (Visits 2 and 3). Subjects will be 
reimbursed $300 for the week 12 study visits (Visits 16 and 18). Subjects will be reimbursed $25 
for the first dose of drug study visit (Visit 4) and Week 12: Second Completion Assessment Visit 
(Visit 17), for a total of $50. Subjects will be reimbursed $10 for each of the 5 in-person safety 
visits (Visits 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 14) for a subtotal of $50. The total compensation will be received 
when participation in all aspects of this clinical study are completed and will be $600.00. Subjects 
will also be reimbursed for outpatient Montefiore parking at all visits except the screening visit 
(this includes the (2) baseline and (3) week 12 study visits, the 5 in-person safety visits, and the 
first dose of drug study visit). In the event that a subject drops out due to an AE, the subject will 
be reimbursed for the individual study visits that they completed to date per the above 
reimbursement schedule. 
 
 
7.  QUALIFICATIONS AND SOURCE OF SUPPORT 
 
 
7.1 QUALIFICATIONS OF THE INVESTIGATORS 
Sponsor: 
 
Mark Gladwin, M.D., is Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. Dr Gladwin is the Chief 
of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine and Director of the Vascular Medicine Institute 
at the University of Pittsburgh. He is an internationally recognized authority in the field of sodium 
nitrite including both the basic science and a broad range of clinical applications in cardiovascular 
disease. He is a current IND holder for the investigation of sodium nitrite in lung transplant. 
   


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
37 
 
Investigator: 
 
Kara Hughan, M.D., Investigator will provide daily leadership and supervision to all aspects of 
the clinical trial execution. Dr. Hughan is Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric 
Endocrinology and Diabetes and Division of Weight Management and Wellness, Children's 
Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.  
Sub-Investigators: 
Bret Goodpaster, Ph.D., is Senior Faculty Investigator and Scientific Director at the Translational 
Research Institute Exercise Core in Orlando, FL.  He has 22 years of experience designing and 
conducting exercise studies. He has 16 years of experience with performing clinical investigations 
involving glucose infusions, muscle biopsies and non-invasive body composition imaging. 
 
Mark Gladwin, M.D., is Professor of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Gladwin is the Chief 
of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine and Director of the Vascular Medicine Institute 
at the University of Pittsburgh. He is an internationally recognized authority in the field of sodium 
nitrite including both the basic science and a broad range of clinical applications in cardiovascular 
disease. He is a current IND holder for the investigation of sodium nitrite in lung transplant. 
 
Maja Stefanovic-Racic, M.D., Ph.D. is faculty in the Department of Medicine, Division of 
Endocrinology, University of Pittsburgh. She is a board certified endocrinologist with research 
interests in type 2 diabetes and obesity. She has extensive experience performing muscle 
biopsies in adults of all ages within the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center (EMRC) 
research team. She will be a study physician available to recruit subjects and to supervise/perform 
muscle biopsies throughout the study. 
 
Sruti Shiva, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Chemical 
Biology and Vascular Medicine Institute (VMI) at the University of Pittsburgh. Her research 
focuses on the mechanisms by which reactive nitrogen species (particularly nitrite and nitric oxide) 
regulate mitochondrial function, the factors that influence this regulation and the implications of 
this regulation on pathology. 
 
Andrea Levine, M.D. is a fellow in the Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine 
at the University of Pittsburgh. She will perform muscle biopsies in adults within the Endocrinology 
and Metabolism Research Center (EMRC) research team. She also performs bench research 
investigating the role of oral nitrite in the metabolic syndrome using both a mouse model and a 
skeletal muscle cell line. 
 
Other Personnel:  
Nicole Helbling, MS RN, is a registered nurse with extensive clinical and translational research 
experience in the EMRC. She has been a research coordinator within the EMRC and is well 
trained to review study consent, obtain medical histories, perform glucose infusions, 
venipunctures and IV placements and assist with day to day clinical trial execution. 
 
 
7.2 SOURCES OF SUPPORT 
UL1 RR024153 (University of Pittsburgh Clinical and Translational Science Institute), the Vascular 
Medicine Institute, the Hemophilia Center of Western Pennsylvania, and the Institute for 
Transfusion Medicine to K.H. 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
38 
 
8.  REFERENCES 
 
1. http://www.who.int; factsheet 317, updated January 2011. 
2. Rouse IL, Beilin LJ, Armstrong KB et al. Blood-pressure lowering effect of a vegetarian 
diet: controlled trial in normotensive subjects. Lancet 1983;1:5-10. 
3. Lindahl O, Lindwall L, Spangberg A et al. A vegan regimen with reduced medication in the 
treatment of hypertension. Br J Nutr 1984;52:11-20. 
4. Appel LJ, Moore TJ, Obarzanek E et al. A clinical trial of the effects of dietary patterns on 
blood pressure. DASH Collaborative Research Group. N Engl J Med 1997;336:1117-24. 
5. Joshipura KJ, Ascherio A, Manson JE et al. Fruit and vegetable intake in relation to risk of 
ischemic stroke. JAMA 1999;282:1233-9. 
6. Hung HC, Joshipura KJ, Jiang R et al. Fruit and vegetable intake in relation to risk of major 
chronic disease. J Natl Cancer Inst 2004;96:1577-84.  
7. Lundberg JO, Weitzberg E, Gladwin MT. The nitrate-nitrite-nitric oxide pathway in 
physiology and therapeutics. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2008;7:156-67. 
8. Lundberg JO, Carlström M, Larsen FJ et al. Roles of dietary inorganic nitrate in 
cardiovascular health and disease. Cardiovasc Res 2011;89(3):525-32. 
9. Stokes JY, Dugas TR, Tang Y et al. Dietary nitrite prevents hypercholesterolemic 
microvascular inflammation and reverses endothelial dysfunction. Am J Physiol Heart Circ 
Physiol 2009;296:H1281-8. 
10. Schopfer FJ, Cole MP, Groeger AL et al. Covalent peroxisome proliferator-activated 
receptor γ adduction by nitro-fatty acids. J Biol Chem 2010;285(16):12321-33. 
11. Webb AJ, Patel N, Loukogeorgakis S et al. Acute blood pressure lowering, vasoprotective, 
and antiplatelet properties of dietary nitrate via bioconversion to nitrite. Hypertension 
2008;51:784-90. 
12. Kapil V, Milsom AB, Okorie M et al. Inorganic nitrate supplementation lowers blood 
pressure in humans – role for nitrite-derived NO. Hypertension 2010;56:274-81. 
13. Bailey SJ, Winyard P, Vanhatalo A et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 
cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in 
humans. J Appl Physiol 2009;107:1144-55. 
14. Bailey SJ, Fulford J, Vanhatalo A et al. Dietary nitrate supplementation enhances muscle 
contractile efficiency during knee-extensor exercise in humans. J Appl Physiol 
2010;109:135-48. 
15. Vanhatalo A, Bailey SJ, Blackwell JR et al. Acute and chronic effects of dietary nitrate 
supplementation on blood pressure and the physiological responses to moderate-intensity 
and incremental exercise. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2010;299:R1121-31. 
16. Sobko T, Marcus C, Govoni M, Kamiya S. Dietary nitrate in Japanese traditional foods 
lowers diastolic blood pressure in healthy volunteers. Nitric Oxide 2010;22:136-40. 
17. Larsen FJ, Ekblom B, Sahlin K et al. Effects of dietary nitrate on blood pressure in healthy 
volunteers. N Eng J Med 2006;355:2792-3. 
18. Hunault CC, van Velzen AG, Sips AJ, Schothorst RC, Meulenbelt J. Bioavailability of 
sodium nitrite from an aqueous solution in healthy adults. Toxicology Letters 2009;190:48-
53.  
19. Home PD, Pocock SJ, Beck-Nielsen H et al. RECORD Study Team. Rosiglitazone 
evaluated for cardiovascular outcomes in oral agent combination therapy for type 2 
diabetes 
(RECORD): 
a 
multicentre, 
randomised 
open-label 
trial. 
Lancet 
2009;373(9681):2125-35. 
20. Carlström M, Larsen FJ, Nyström T et al. Dietary inorganic nitrate reverses features of 
metabolic syndrome in endothelial nitric oxide synthase-deficient mice. PNAS 
2010;107(41):17716-20. 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
39 
 
21. Petersen KF, Dufour S, Befroy D, Garcia R, Shulman GI: Impaired mitochondrial activity 
in the insulin-resistant offspring of patients with type 2 diabetes.[see comment]. New 
England Journal of Medicine 2004; 350:664-671. 
22. Ritov VB, Menshikova EV, He J, Ferrell RE, Goodpaster BH, Kelley DE: Deficiency of 
subsarcolemmal mitochondria in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes 2005;54:8-14. 
23. Larsen FJ, Schiffer TA, Borniquel S, Sahlin K, Ekblom B, Lundberg JO, Weitzberg E. 
Dietary inorganic nitrate improves mitochondrial efficiency in humans. Cell Metab 
2011;13(2):149-59. 
24. Authority EFS. Nitrate in vegetables: scientific opinion of the panel on contaminants in the 
food chain. The EFSA Journal 2008;689:1-79. 
25. Goodpaster BH, Kelley DE, Wing RR, Meier A, Thaete FL. Effects of weight loss on 
regional fat distribution and insulin sensitivity in obesity. Diabetes 1999;48:839-847. 
26. Hord N, Tang Y, Bryan N. Food sources of nitrates and nitrites: the physiologic context for 
potential health benefits. Am J Clin Nutr 2009;90:1-10. 
27. MacArthur P, Shiva S, Gladwin M. Measurement of circulating nitrite and S-nitrosothiols 
by reductive chemiluminescence. J Chromatogr B 2007;851: 93-105. 
28. Gnaiger E: Capacity of oxidative phosphorylation in human skeletal muscle: new 
perspectives of mitochondrial physiology. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2009;41:1837-1845. 
29. Hutter E, Unterluggauer H, Garedew A, Jansen-Durr P, Gnaiger E: High-resolution 
respirometry--a modern tool in aging research. Exp Gerontol 2006;41:103-109. 
30. Anderson E, Lustig M, Boyle K, Woodlief T, Kane D, Lin C, Price Jr, Kang L, Rabinovitch 
P, Szeto H, Houmard J, Cortright R, Wasserman D, Neufer P: Mitochondrial H2O2 
emission and cellular redox state link excess fat intake to insulin resistance in both rodents 
and humans. J Clin Invest 2009;119:573–581. 
31. Meredith TH, Jacobsen D, Haines JA, Berger J-C, van Heijst ANP, eds. Antidotes for 
Poisoning by Cyanide, Vol 2. In: International Program on Chemical Safety/Commission 
of the European Communities Evaluations of Antidotes Series. Geneva, Switzerland: 
World Health Organization and Commission of the European Communities; 1993. 
Publication EUR 14280 EN.  
32. Yen D, Tsai J, Wang LM, et al. The clinical experience of acute cyanide poisoning. Am J 
Emerg Med. 1995;13:524-528. 
33. Dejam A, Hunter CJ, Tremonti C, Pluta RM, Hon YY, Grimes G, Partovi K, Pelletier MM, 
Oldfield EH, Cannon RO III., Schechter AN, Gladwin MT. Nitrite infusion in humans and 
nonhuman primates: endocrine effects, pharmacokinetics, and tolerance formation. 
Circulation 2007;116:1821–1831. 
34. Cosby K, Partovi KS, Crawford JH, Patel RP, Reiter CD, Martyr S, Yang BK, Waclawiw 
MA, Zalos G, Xu X, Huang KT, Shields H, Kim-Shapiro DB, Schechter N, Cannon RO III., 
Gladwin MT. Nitrite reduction to nitric oxide by deoxyhemoglobin vasodilates the human 
circulation. Nat Med 2003;9:1498–1505. 
35. Mack AK, McGowan Ii VR, Tremonti CK, Ackah D, Barnett C, Machado RF, Gladwin MT, 
Kato GJ. Sodium nitrite promotes regional blood flow in patients with sickle cell disease: 
a phase I/II study. Br J Haematol 2008;142(6): 971–978. 
36. Pluta RM, Oldfield EH, Bakhtian KD, Fathi AR, Smith RK, DeVroom HL, Nahavandi M, 
Woo S, Figg WD, Lonser RR. Safety and feasibility of long-term intravenous sodium nitrite 
infusion in healthy volunteers. PLoS ONE 2011;6:1-13. 
37. National Toxicology Program National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and 
Human Services. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of sodium nitrite (CAS NO. 7632-
00-0). F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice (drinking water studies). Technical Report Series 
2001;495 :7–273. 


Oral Inorganic Nitrite 
Sponsor: Mark T. Gladwin, MD 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
 
40 
 
38. Larsen, FJ, Weitzberg E, Lundberg J O, Ekblom B. Effects of dietary nitrate on oxygen 
cost during exercise. Acta Physiol (Oxford) 2007;191:59–66. 
39. Larsen, F.J., Weitzberg, E., Lundberg, J.O., and Ekblom, B. Dietary nitrate reduces 
maximal oxygen consumption while maintaining work performance in maximal exercise. 
Free Radic. Biol. Med. 2010;48, 342–347. 
40. Mohler III ER, Hiatt WR, Gornik HL, Kevil CG, Quyyumi A, Haynes WG, Annex BH. 
Sodium nitrite in patients with peripheral artery disease and diabetes mellitus: safety, 
walking distance and endothelial function. Vascular Medicine 2014; 19(1):10-17. 
 

ICF_001.pdf: 
 
Version 10.0 
Page 1 of 18  
           
   University Of Pittsburgh          
   Institutional Review Board    
 
Approval Date: 6/5/2018 
Renewal Date:  6/4/2019 
 
IRB #:   PRO11030131 
 
 
 
  University of Pittsburgh  
 
        School of Medicine 
        Vascular Medicine Institute 
 
 
CONSENT TO ACT AS A PARTICIPANT IN A RESEARCH STUDY 
 
TITLE: An Open-Label Study of Oral Nitrite in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome and Hypertension 
 
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:  
Kara Hughan, MD 
Assistant Professor of Pediatrics  
Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh 
4401 Penn Avenue, Faculty Pavilion Floor 8 
Pittsburgh, PA 15224 
412-692-5173 
 
CO-INVESTIGATORS:  
 
Mark Gladwin, MD 
Professor of Medicine 
Division Chief, Pulmonary, Allergy, and 
Critical Care Medicine 
3500 Fifth Avenue, Suite 303 
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 
412-692-2117 
Maja Stefanovic-Racic, MD Ph.D. 
Assistant Professor 
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism 
200 Lothrop St. 
E1140 Biomedical Science Tower 
Pittsburgh, PA 15261 
412-648-9770 
AFFILIATED INVESTIGATORS:   
 
OTHER PERSONNEL: 
Sruti Shiva, Ph.D. 
Associate Professor  
Dept. of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology 
E1240 Biomedical Science Tower 
200 Lothrop Street 
Pittsburgh, PA  15213 
412-383-5854 
 
 
Nicole Helbling, MS RN 
Nurse coordinator 
Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism 
3459 Fifth Avenue 
Montefiore Hospital, NW823 
Pittsburgh, PA 15213 
412-692-2285 
 
Andrea Levine, MD 
Fellow 
Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care 
Medicine 
 
 
SOURCE OF SUPPORT: Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Vascular Medicine Institute of 
the University of Pittsburgh 
 
 
 


 
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   University Of Pittsburgh          
   Institutional Review Board    
 
Approval Date: 6/5/2018 
Renewal Date:  6/4/2019 
 
IRB #:   PRO11030131 
 
 
We invite you to take part in a research study. We want you to know that taking part in this 
research study is entirely voluntary. Before agreeing to participate in this research study, or at 
any time during your study participation, you may discuss your care with another doctor who is 
not associated with this research study.  You are not under any obligation to participate in any 
research study offered by the doctor. Please take your time to make your decision about taking 
part. 
 
A description of this clinical trial will be available on www.clinicaltrials.gov, as required by US Law. 
This website will not include information that can identify you. At most, the website will include a 
summary of the results. You can search this website at any time. 
 
One of the investigators conducting this research has a financial interest in or a patent for the 
development of Sodium Nitrite for cardiovascular indications. This means that it is possible that 
the results of this study could lead to personal profit for the individual investigator and/or the 
University of Pittsburgh. The investigator has agreed to not be involved in the recruitment of 
volunteer subjects, will not administer the informed consent, engage in the recording of research 
data, be involved in clinical assessments of study eligibility criteria and intervention outcomes, will 
not participate in data and safety monitoring activities and will not solely be involved in the 
interpretation of study results. This project has been carefully reviewed to ensure that your well-
being holds more importance than any study results.  Any questions you might have about this 
will be answered fully by the Principal Investigator, Dr. Kara Hughan (telephone number: 412-
692-5173), who has no financial conflict of interest with this research, or by the Human Subject 
Protection Advocate of the University of Pittsburgh (866-212-2668). 
 
Why is this research being done?  
Metabolic syndrome is a name for a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk 
for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD) including heart attacks and strokes. Insulin 
resistance (IR) is a key link in the metabolic syndrome, and IR within muscle is a significant risk 
factor for the development of type 2 diabetes and CVD. Mitochondria are specialized units within 
cells that generate energy for the body. The potential link between impaired mitochondria function 
and muscle IR has been extensively studied and remains controversial. While weight loss and 
exercise are effective treatments of IR, long term adherence to these treatments are typically 
poor. While there are effective medication treatments, they have significant side effects. 
 
This research involves the use of an investigational drug called inorganic nitrite (sodium nitrite). 
It has been shown that various types of nitrite (given intravenously, as a nitrite solution taken by 
mouth, and dietary sources such as beetroot juice that can be processed in the body to form 
nitrite) are able to lower blood pressure. More recently, it has also been shown that inorganic 
nitrite may be involved in the regulation of blood sugar and insulin balance in mice. Inorganic 
nitrite is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and given by injection for 
the treatment of cyanide poisoning. In this research study, nitrite will be given by mouth, in capsule 
form, which was prepared at the National Institutes of Health Investigational Drug Pharmacy 
Service. The capsule form is not FDA approved for use in patients with metabolic syndrome and 
high blood pressure. However, the FDA does permit it to be used in experimental research studies 
like this, under strict regulations.  
 
The research study is being conducted to examine what effect daily inorganic nitrite study 
treatment has on high blood pressure and hormonal disturbances in overweight/obese adults with 
the metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure. Ultimately, oral nitrite therapy may translate to 


 
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   University Of Pittsburgh          
   Institutional Review Board    
 
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IRB #:   PRO11030131 
 
 
having an impact on the prevention and treatment of both diabetes and cardiovascular disease.  
 
Who is being asked to take part in this research study? 
We are enrolling 30 overweight/obese adults between 18-60 years of age who meet all of the 
eligibility criteria. 
 
How long will I be in this research study? 
Your participation will last for about 4-5 months. 
 
What procedures will be performed for research purposes? 
If you decide to take part in this research study, you will receive one study medication, sodium 
nitrite three times daily, for 12 weeks as part of the research study. You will need to visit the study 
clinic on schedule, get tests, and tell the study doctor or study staff about any changes in your 
health or the way you feel. All research study tests or procedures listed below are not part of your 
routine care. You will make at least 12-18 visits to the study clinic over 4-5 months and have 1 
follow-up telephone call from the study staff approximately four weeks after finishing your study 
medicines. You may also receive reminder calls or emails.  
 
The study visits will take place at the Clinical Translational Research Center (CTRC) and Vascular 
CTRC, both of which are located on the 6th floor of Montefiore Hospital of UPMC and/or the 
Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center (EMRC), which is located on the 8th floor of 
Montefiore Hospital of UPMC. 
 
SCREENING PROCEDURES:  
Procedures to determine if you are eligible to take part in a research study are called “screening” 
procedures. 
 
Visit 1 (Screening) 
This visit will take place either in the CTRC or the EMRC, and may take about 1-1 ½ hours. 
For this research study, you will be asked to fast for 8 hours before coming in for the screening 
blood work, if it is safe to do so based upon any medicines you take. The screening procedures 
include: 
 
1. A review of your medical history, a brief physical exam, height, weight, waist and hip 
measurements, and temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate and heart rate will be 
performed. If you are a female, we will also ask your menstrual history.  
 
2. Blood will be drawn from a vein in one of your arms or hands to conduct laboratory tests 
to help evaluate your overall health (e.g. standard blood counts, fasting blood fats, fasting 
blood sugar, and thyroid screen). This will involve removal of approximately 1 tablespoon 
of blood from you.  
 
EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURES: 
If you qualify to take part in this research study, you will undergo a number of tests and procedures 
that evaluate how the study drug affects your body and your health.  
 
 
Visit 2 (First Baseline Assessment Visit): 
You will be scheduled for this outpatient fasting visit within 4 weeks of screening. You will be asked 


 
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not to drink or eat anything other than plain water for 8 hours prior to your arrival for this visit. 
Testing will take approximately 3-4 hours in total at the CTRC and EMRC and includes:  
 
1. Your body weight will be measured. 
 
2. Blood vessel stiffness measurement by Pulse Wave Velocity: To test the stiffness of 
your arteries, blood pressure cuffs are attached to your arms and ankles and are inflated 
several times for various readings. Two flat probes, which resemble chalk erasers, are 
moved up and down your neck and upper thigh a few times to obtain special waveforms 
that will tell the researchers about the stiffness of your arteries. Cool gel might be 
applied to the neck and upper thigh before some of these readings. Multiple readings are 
obtained so the results can be averaged. This test takes about 30 minutes.  
 
3. Ultrasound measurement of carotid arterial disease: This is a noninvasive test that uses 
sound waves to evaluate the carotid arteries. This test will require applying cool, jelly-
like, hypoallergenic substance on your neck while a probe is moved up and down your 
neck (just like a pregnancy ultrasound). Sound waves are bounced off the arteries, 
creating a picture of what the arteries look like on the inside. This test takes 
approximately 15 minutes. Blood pressures will be taken during the exam. 
 
4. Endothelial function assessment with flow-mediated dilation (FMD): This is a non-
invasive test that evaluates the ability of your blood vessels to relax and expand to allow 
greater blood flow. For this test you will lie flat for 30 minutes. The test will require 
placing a blood pressure cuff below your elbow. The blood pressure cuff will be inflated, 
like when your blood pressure is taken, and will stay inflated for 5 minutes. Blood flow 
will be detected by an ultrasound probe during inflation and in the 3 minutes after 
deflation.  
The Pulse Wave Velocity, Carotid Ultrasound, FMD and automated blood pressures will 
be performed in the Vascular Clinical and Translational Research Center (VCTRC) of 
Montefiore Hospital of UPMC. After your Vascular CTRC testing is complete, you will be 
given a light breakfast snack. 
 
5. Urine pregnancy test: For females who are able to have children, you will be asked to 
provide a urine sample for pregnancy testing. The result of the pregnancy test must be 
negative in order for you to be in this research study. 
 
6. DEXA: Bone density/Body composition - We will measure how many pounds of bone, 
muscle, and fat tissue that you have in your body, spine and thigh by using a technique 
called dual-electron x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). For this test, you will lie flat on a table 
for around 10 minutes and a scan will be taken. DEXA is a routinely performed 
procedure for patient care and is very important for overall health. An excessive amount 
of body fat is a risk factor for heart disease, type II diabetes, and other diseases. 
 
7. Exercise testing: You will perform an exercise test on a stationary bicycle in the Exercise 
Physiology Laboratory (EMRC) on the 8th floor of Montefiore Hospital. The test will begin 
with a warm-up of light pedaling. Then you will perform two, 4-minute standardized 
workloads of 25 and 50 Watts (or very light effort) to provide important information about 
whole body metabolic efficiency. Watts are the amount of power you produce when 
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of 25-50 Watts until a maximal voluntary effort is attained.  
 
8. Blood pressure monitor: You will have a blood pressure cuff placed and worn around the 
upper part of your non-dominant arm for the next 24 hours. It is attached to a monitor 
that can fit in your pocket or be worn on your waist/belt. The monitor pumps and then 
records your blood pressure every 20 minutes during the day and every half hour 
overnight.  
You should only take off the cuff and monitor when showering/bathing or swimming, but 
then immediately put it back on when finished. After the 24 hours, you will remove the 
cuff and turn off the monitor. We ask that you return the cuff and monitor to us at Visit 3. 
We may not be able to give this to you until Visit 3 depending on availability. If this 
happens, we ask that you return the cuff and monitor at Visit 4. 
9. We will assess at baseline for adverse event symptoms (AE) prior to receiving your first 
dose of study drug at Visit 4. 
 
The above studies will be repeated at Visit 16 (Week 12). 
 
Visit 3 (Second Baseline Assessment Visit) 
You will be scheduled to complete this fasting visit at the CTRC 2-7 days after Visit 2. You will be 
asked not to drink or eat anything other than plain water for 8 hours prior to your arrival for this 
visit.  
 
1. Interval history and physical exam will be performed by the study doctor. Your 
temperature, blood pressure, breathing rate, heart rate and body weight will be 
measured. If you are a female, we will also ask your menstrual history. 
 
2. Urine pregnancy test: For females who are able to have children, you will be asked to 
provide a urine sample for pregnancy testing. The result of the pregnancy test must be 
negative in order for you to continue in this research study. 
 
3. Blood samples for blood fats, liver and kidney function, blood count, hemoglobin A1c, 
hormones and heart disease markers and an extra blood sample will be obtained and 
stored for an indefinite length of time in the research laboratory of the EMRC for future 
analyses of hormones if further tests are indicated with the advance of science. The 
results of any future analyses done on the stored samples will not be shared with you 
because it will not be clinically relevant. The maximum amount of blood drawn for the 
above testing is approximately 3 tablespoons.  
 
4. Food record form to take home to complete over 3 different days. We will assess nitrite 
intake. We ask that you return the forms to us at Visit 4. 
 
5. Hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp: An IV (a plastic needle inserted in your vein) will be 
placed in the bend of your arm or hand to provide a way to infuse insulin, sugar water 
and a solution called deuterated glucose. Deuterated glucose is a tracer solution (a 
solution of glucose that has heavy atoms) that does not give off radiation. It allows the 
researchers to better test how your body uses sugar by letting them measure how much 
sugar your liver is making versus what is given through the vein during the study. 
Deuterated glucose is found in nature and is called a stable isotope. It is safe, non-
radioactive, and has no known harmful effects. This isotope is not required to have Food 


 
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and Drug Administration (FDA) approval. Another IV will be placed in the opposite arm, 
in your hand, to sample blood. This hand IV will be heated with a heating pad to make 
the blood sampling easier. An insulin infusion, lasting 4 hours, will be given to see how 
well your body uses sugar. Insulin is the hormone made by your body to control your 
blood glucose levels. During the insulin infusion, your blood sugar level will be watched 
closely (every 5 minutes) and kept at a normal level (85–95 mg/dl) with a sugar water 
infusion (20% dextrose). You will be asked to stay awake during the insulin infusion so 
that we can be certain that you are not having problems from the infusion. The amount 
of blood drawn during the insulin infusion part of the study is approximately 22 
tablespoons or about 1½ cups. This amount of blood is about 1/2 of what you would give 
if you made a blood donation. Your blood is checked during the screening visit to make 
sure that you have enough blood to safely donate this amount. 
 
6. Indirect calorimetry: During two 45-minute periods, one before the start of the insulin 
infusion and one at the end of the insulin infusion, a clear plastic canopy will be placed 
over your face and neck to collect the air you breathe out. This measurement is called 
indirect calorimetry (resting energy expenditure) and is done to measure the amount of 
oxygen your body uses and to calculate how much fat and sugar it is burning. 
 
7. Muscle biopsy: Sometime after the start of the deuterated glucose infusion, you will have 
a muscle biopsy of your thigh muscle, performed by a physician who has experience 
doing biopsies. The purpose of the biopsy is to obtain a small piece of your muscle 
tissue so we can look at the amount of fat, mitochondria (specialized units within cells 
that generate energy for the body) and protein in your muscle. Lidocaine, an FDA 
approved medicine that numbs the area (similar to medicine used by dentists) prior to 
the actual biopsy procedure, is used so that any pain can be minimized. On the skin on 
one of your thighs, an area the size of a quarter will be numbed by injecting 5-11 mL of 
lidocaine. After making sure the area is numb, a small incision (about a quarter of an 
inch long) will be made using a sterile scalpel and a biopsy needle will be passed into 
the muscle in order to obtain a small piece of muscle (the size of a pencil tip, equal to 
100-150 milligrams). If the first pass of the biopsy needle doesn’t get an adequate 
muscle sample (or if a fat sample is obtained), you will be asked if it is okay to make a 
second pass through the same small incision. You can choose to say no to a second 
pass if you do not want it. This will not affect your payment or your being in the study. 
 
To decrease the risk of infection and bleeding, we will cover it with steri-strips (or a stitch 
if you have an allergy to steri-strips), apply a triple antibiotic ointment on the incision and 
a bandage with elastic wrap. An ice pack will be applied for 20 minutes after the biopsy. 
You will be given instructions about how to care for the incision site and provided with 
the telephone numbers of the investigators to call if you have any problems.   
 
The muscle sample will be used to examine the health of the muscle cells in regards to 
their structure and metabolism (chemical reactions). This will be done with various 
research techniques including microscopy and laboratory tests. After your muscle 
sample has been analyzed, and upon your request, the Principal Investigator will discuss 
your personal results of your muscle biopsy analysis. Please consult your primary care 
physician regarding the decision whether or not to receive this information. 
Approximately 100-150mg of your muscle sample will be stored.  
8. You will return your blood pressure monitor and cuff today so that we may download the 


 
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recorded blood pressure information. 
 
9. After the clamp testing has been completed, you will be given lunch.  
 
10. A meter blood sugar, blood pressure, breathing rate, and heart rate will be performed 30 
minutes after completion of the clamp test to make sure they are returning to baseline 
before discharge home.  
 
The above studies will be repeated at Visit 18 (Week 12) and will occur 2-7 days after Visit 17. 
 
Visit 4 (Day 1: First Drug Doses Visit)  
This fasting visit will take place at the CTRC or EMRC within 1-4 weeks following completion of 
all above baseline assessments. You will be asked not to drink or eat anything other than plain 
water for 8 hours prior to your arrival for this visit. This visit will take approximately 3 hours.  
 
1. Body weight and temperature will be measured.  
 
2. If you are a female, we will also ask your menstrual history. A repeat urine pregnancy test will 
be performed for females who are able to have children. 
 
3. You will be given your first dose of study drug- sodium nitrite 40 mg by mouth. Blood pressure, 
breathing rate and heart rate will be measured after approximately 30 minutes of rest and quiet in 
the CTRC to ensure blood pressures are at a steady state before taking the medicines and then 
every 15 minutes for 2 hours after taking the study medication.  
 
4. Safety monitoring for methemoglobin level (methemoglobin is a stable oxidized form of 
hemoglobin that is unable to release oxygen to the tissues) by a finger probe before, 0.5, 1 and 2 
hours after study medication administration. Research blood samples and blood samples for 
platelet mitochondrial function will be drawn before, 0.5 and 2 hours after study medication 
administration. The total volume of blood drawn is approximately 3 Tablespoons. 
 
5. You will be provided a meal after completion of testing. 
 
6. You will be provided a dosing diary card to record how much of the study medication you are 
taking (sodium nitrite) and to help you better understand how it made you feel. The information 
that needs to be recorded in the diary includes the time and doses of the study medication, new 
health symptoms, new medications taken, and any emergency department (ER) visits or 
hospitalizations. You will fill in a new diary card every 7 days. You should have the diary card(s) 
available with you when you are interviewed at your weekly safety visits and then also the every 
other week safety study visits. 
 
7. Assess adverse events (AE) and you will be provided a supply of the daily study drug (sodium 
nitrite 40mg three times daily) to get you through to your next visit (typically an 11-17 day supply). 
 
There is a rare possibility that you will have a high methemoglobin level or you will have a low 
blood pressure from your study drug dose during this visit or future study visits. If this happens, 
your study nitrite drug dose will be lowered so that you receive half the dose of the nitrite (20 mg 
sodium nitrite three times daily). You will be asked to undergo a repeat of safety monitoring for 


 
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blood pressure, breathing rate and heart rate before taking the medicines and then every 15 
minutes for 2 hours after taking the study medications, methemoglobin level by a finger probe, 
research blood and storage samples and blood samples for platelet mitochondrial function that 
will be drawn before, 0.5 and 2 hours after the lowered doses of study medication are 
administered (as above in number 4). The total volume of blood drawn is approximately 3 
Tablespoons. If you still have a high methemoglobin or low blood pressure on these lower doses, 
your participation in the study will be discontinued.  
 
8. The forms with the 3 days of food records that you completed will be collected.    
 
Visits 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 (Weeks 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10)  
You will return every other week beginning at week 2 ± 7 days for safety visits that will take place 
in the Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center (EMRC) in Montefiore Hospital of UPMC. 
Each visit will take approximately 1.5 hours.  
 
1. You will be seated in the EMRC and you will be given your daily dose of study drug- sodium 
nitrite 40 mg (either the first/morning dose or the second/midday dose [depending on the time of 
the visit] of the three doses taken each day) by mouth at this visit. 
 
2. Interval history and brief physical exam will be performed. 
 
3. Assess adverse events (AE) and review drug diary card(s). We ask that you bring any unused 
study drug with you to each safety visit so we can assess study medication compliance. 
 
4. You will be provided a supply of the daily study drug (sodium nitrite 40 mg three times daily) to 
get you through to your next visit (typically an 11-17 day supply). 
  
5. Approximately one half hour after your study medication is taken and a minimum of 15 minutes 
after sitting calmly and relaxed, we will have you press the button on the blood pressure machine 
for a blood pressure measurement. You will have a timer and we ask that you wait 5 minutes after 
the first measurement to take a blood pressure measurement taken again. You will wait another 
5 minutes and take a final blood pressure measurement (for a total of 3 measurements).  
 
6. A breathing rate and heart rate measurement, a methemoglobin level by a finger probe and a 
safety blood draw for research blood and storage samples will be performed by study staff. The 
total volume of blood drawn is approximately 1 1/3 Tablespoons.  
 
At the Visit 10 (Week 6) visit, you will have a full physical exam and have your body weight 
measured. Additional menstrual history and a urine pregnancy test will be performed for females 
who are able to have children. 
 
At the Visit 14 (Week 10) visit, you will have an extra 1 teaspoon of blood drawn to check your 
blood count for anemia. If your blood count is low, you may be recommended to take an iron 
supplement until your blood count is rechecked at Visit 16 (Week 12). 
Visits 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15 (Weeks 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) 
You will be contacted by phone every other week ± 7 days which will last about 10 minutes by the 
study staff. You will be asked about any side effects, study medication compliance, any changes 
in medication, and any medical history such as emergency room visits or hospitalizations since 
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In addition to these formal evaluations, you are encouraged to contact the study doctor or the 
study staff anytime with questions, concerns, or to report new symptoms that occur during your 
study participation. 
 
Visit 16 (Week 12: First Completion Assessment Visit):  
All studies from Visit 2 (First Baseline Assessment Visit) in the Montefiore Vascular CTRC and 
EMRC will be repeated at this visit (First Completion Assessment Visit). This fasting visit will take 
approximately 3 hours in total. You will be asked not to drink or eat anything other than plain water 
for 8 hours prior to your arrival for this visit. Please bring your completed diary cards and your 
morning dose of sodium nitrite 40 mg with you as you will take it after arrival. You will have the 
following tests: 
 
1. Your body weight will be measured.  
 
2. Blood vessel stiffness measurement by Pulse Wave Velocity 
 
3. Ultrasound measurement of carotid arterial disease and automated blood pressures 
 
4. Endothelial function assessment with flow-mediated dilation (FMD) 
 
After your Vascular CTRC testing is complete, you will be given a light breakfast snack. 
 
5. If you are a female, we will also ask your menstrual history. For females who are able to have 
children, you will be asked to provide a urine sample for pregnancy testing. The result of the 
pregnancy test must be negative in order for you to continue in this research study visit. 
 
6. DEXA: Bone density/Body composition 
 
7. Waist and hip circumference measurements   
 
8. Exercise testing 
 
9. Blood pressure monitor for 24 hours. We ask that you return the cuff and monitor to us at Visit 
17. We may not be able to give this to you until Visit 17 depending on availability. If this 
happens, we ask that you return the cuff and monitor at Visit 18. 
 
10. Assess adverse events (AE) and review diary cards. You will be provided the remaining supply 
of study drug necessary until your scheduled Visit 18 Third Completion Assessment Visit (Week 
12). 
 
11. Food record forms to take home to complete over 3 different days. We will assess nitrate and 
nitrite intake. We ask that you return the forms to us by Visit 18. 
 
Visit 17 (Week 12: Second Completion Assessment Visit) 
This fasting visit will take place at the CTRC or EMRC. You will be asked not to drink or eat 
anything for 8 hours prior to your arrival for this visit. This visit will take approximately 3 hours.  
 
1. Body weight and temperature will be measured. 


 
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2. If you are a female, we will also ask your menstrual history. A repeat urine pregnancy test will 
be performed for females who are able to have children. 
 
3. Please bring your morning dose of sodium nitrite 40 mg. Blood pressure, breathing rate and 
heart rate will be measured after approximately 30 minutes of rest and quiet in the CTRC to ensure 
blood pressures are at a steady state before taking the study medication and then every 15 
minutes for 2 hours after taking the study medication.  
 
4. Safety monitoring for methemoglobin level by a finger probe before, 0.5, 1 and 2 hours after 
study medication administration. Research blood samples and blood samples for platelet 
mitochondrial function will be drawn before, 0.5, and 2 hours after study medication 
administration. The total volume of blood drawn is approximately 3 Tablespoons. 
 
5. You will be provided a meal after completion of testing. 
 
6. Assess adverse events (AE) after completion of study testing. 
 
7. You will return your food records if you have completed them and your blood pressure monitor 
and cuff today so that we may download the recorded blood pressure information. 
 
Visit 18 (Week 12: Third Completion Assessment Visit)  
 
You will be scheduled to complete this fasting visit 2-7 days after Visit 17 at the CTRC. All studies 
from Visit 3 (Second Baseline Assessment Visit) will be repeated at this fasting visit plus you will 
be given your final home dose of sodium nitrite 40 mg. You will be asked not to drink or eat 
anything for 8 hours prior to your arrival for this visit. If you have not already returned your food 
record forms, we will collect these today.  
 
No further study medication will be dispensed. We ask that you bring your drug diary card(s) and 
any unused study drug with you to this visit so we can assess study medication compliance. 
Adverse event assessment and review of drug diary card(s) will occur.  
  
Visit 19 (Week 16: Telephone Assessment) 
 
You will be contacted by phone which will last about 10 minutes by the study staff. You will be 
asked about any side effects, any changes in medication, and any medical history such as 
emergency room visits or hospitalizations since your last study visit. 
 
In addition to these formal evaluations, you are encouraged to contact the study doctor or the 
study staff anytime with questions, concerns, or to report new symptoms that occur during your 
study participation. 
 
 
What are the possible risks, side effects, and discomforts of this research study? 
 
As with any research study, there may be adverse events or side effects that are currently unknown 
and it is possible that certain of these unknown risks could be permanent, serious or life-threatening.  
 


 
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Risks of sodium nitrite: 
The risks associated with the study drug, sodium nitrite, are rare and include nausea, belly pain, 
dry mouth, vomiting, flushing, increased heart rate or breathing rate, or low blood pressure. You 
can also develop an abnormal amount of methemoglobin in the blood, which causes oxygen not 
to be released into your blood, and you can experience headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, 
a bluish color of the skin, seizure, or coma.  
 
Risks of blood draw: 
The amount of blood to be drawn over the course of this investigation could be a maximum of 
64 tablespoons. To minimize the risks of blood tests, a licensed technician or registered nurse 
will draw your blood. Common risks of blood sampling by venipuncture or intravenous line 
placement include temporary discomfort, bruising which may last for several days, redness, 
swelling or lower hemoglobin level (or anemia) A common symptom of anemia is fatigue 
(feeling tired or weak). Infrequent risks include feeling lightheaded or faint when blood is drawn. 
This is usually due to nervousness and is not usually serious. Rare risks include infection and 
bleeding.  
 
Risks of hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp: 
The clamp study involves likely risk of discomfort associated from two venipunctures. The risk of 
receiving insulin is hypoglycemia or abnormally low blood sugar (rare). Hypoglycemia may cause 
you to feel shaky, sweaty, hungry, and dizzy and have a rapid heart rate. If severe, hypoglycemia 
can cause coma, seizure or even death (rare). It is very unlikely, however, that severe 
hypoglycemia will occur during the insulin infusion because your blood sugar will be checked 
every 5 minutes. To decrease the risk of hypoglycemia, you will be given sugar water by IV (a 
plastic needle inserted in your vein) to keep your blood sugar at a normal, safe level. As an 
additional safety measure, you will be kept awake during the insulin infusion so that the study 
team can be certain that you are not having any kind of unusual or unexpected reaction to the 
insulin infusion. The deuterated glucose is a naturally occurring, non-radioactive labeled isotope 
that has been carefully tested in a laboratory so we know that it is pure and does not have germs 
in it that could cause an infection. However, on rare occasions, it can leak outside the vein and 
cause tissue damage. Rarely people may have reactions to the isotope such as back pain, chills, 
or nausea. If this happens, the test and the isotope infusion will be stopped immediately. 
 
Risks of indirect calorimetry: 
The risk of anxiety due to the canopy being placed over the head during the indirect calorimetry 
(resting energy expenditure test) test is (rare). We will fully explain this test to you at your 
scheduled visit. You may stop the study at any time. 
 
Risks of muscle biopsy: 
The muscle biopsy with a needle may cause discomfort, bruising, scar and soreness for several 
days (common), but to further reduce these risks, an elastic wrap and ice bag are applied to the 
leg post-biopsy to decrease the risk of bruising. There is also the possibility of a vasovagal 
reaction (reaction of the nervous system due to anxiety) that may cause fainting (common). 
Bleeding and infection are rare. In addition to using sterile materials, a topical antibiotic is applied 
to minimize the risk of infection. Additional unusual risks include allergic reactions to the elastic 
bandage wrap, leg numbness that would indicate the elastic bandage had been applied too tightly; 
and skin redness, irritation, and chafing from the applied antibiotic ointment and/or steri-strips. An 
infrequent risk is that there is an allergic reaction to the Lidocaine used to numb the muscle and 
is given just before the biopsy. Lidocaine has risks which are described next. A rare risk is allergy 


 
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to the steri-strip, which would require a stitch. 
 
The local numbing medicine Lidocaine is used by the physician performing the muscle biopsy. 
This FDA approved numbing medicine, buffered lidocaine, is injected into the site before the 
biopsy procedure. If you have had prior difficulty with this local anesthetic, the procedure will not 
be performed and you will be excluded from the study. A possible side-effect is an anaphylactic 
reaction (an exaggerated sensitivity to the lidocaine) that could result in a severe allergic reaction 
with symptoms such as severe shortness of breath, swelling of the throat, inflammation of the 
skin, skin rash, low blood pressure and death (rare). In order to prevent such an occurrence, you 
will be questioned on screening about prior experiences with the local anesthetic lidocaine. While 
the risks of having a reaction to buffered lidocaine used for this purpose are rare, it is always 
possible that you could have an unexpected serious reaction to any medication. 
 
Risks of exercise test: 
The exercise test may cause muscle soreness or fatigue (common). Some people get anxious 
while breathing through a mouthpiece or experience a fall (rare). Another risk is redness, skin 
chafing or irritation from the EKG electrodes used during exercise testing. If an abnormal rise in 
blood pressure or changes in the electrical pattern of your heart is noted, or if you develop chest 
pain, the exercise will be stopped immediately. Rarely, exercise may cause muscle sprains, 
muscle strains, or broken bones. Other risks include abnormal blood pressure (infrequent), 
fainting, dizziness (common), disorders of heart rhythm (infrequent), and in very rare instances, 
heart attack, stroke, or even death (rare). In adults without a known history of heart disease, the 
risk of heart attack or death from maximal or sub-maximal exercise bouts is rare. The relative risk 
of exercise testing for obese adults has not been clearly defined. However, a survey of more than 
2,000 clinical exercise testing laboratories, in which more than 600,000 tests were performed, 
showed a death rate of approximately 1 per 20,000. 
  
Risks of DEXA: 
The radiation dose of the whole body DEXA is approximately 3 mrems. For comparison, adult 
radiation workers are permitted, by Federal regulation, to receive a maximum whole body 
radiation dose of 5,000 mrems/year and a maximum single organ radiation dose of 50,000 
mrem/year. There is no minimum level of radiation exposure that is considered totally free of the 
potential risk of causing genetic changes (cellular abnormalities) or cancer. However, the risk 
associated with the amount of radiation exposure that the subject will receive from participation 
in this research study is considered to be low and comparable to everyday risks. Menstruating 
females in the reproductive age group must have a negative pregnancy test within 24 hours prior 
to each of these studies in order to reduce the potential for exposing a fetus to radiation. 
 
Risks of FMD test: 
During the FMD test, the occlusion cuff will be placed on your arm and will stay inflated for 5 
minutes. The cuff could cause minor pain, possible bruising, numbness, tingling and irritation of 
your skin. You will be asked to lie still on your back for 30 minutes during the test; this could cause 
stiffness or dizziness.   
 
Risks of Carotid Ultrasound or Pulse Wave Velocity: 
The rare risks associated with ultrasound testing of the neck and groin arteries are dizziness, 
bruising, and a feeling of pressure at the sites on the neck or groin where the ultrasound probe or 
tonometer are placed during the test. Likewise there is also a rare risk of slight skin irritation from 
the EKG lead removal and the blood pressure cuffs. If you begin to feel unwell during the testing, 


 
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we will stop the test immediately. We will take your blood pressure and pulse. Even if your 
symptoms go away, we will take your blood pressure and pulse while you are sitting up and keep 
you at the lab for another 15-30 minutes. You will be able to go back to the CTRC if you are feeling 
no more symptoms and your blood pressure and pulse are stable. However, if you continue to 
feel unwell and/or your blood pressure and pulse are not within normal limits, we will contact your 
physician and/or emergency medical services.  
 
Risks of Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring: 
The rare risks associated with arm blood pressure monitoring are a feeling of pressure, bruising, 
or irritation at the site where the blood pressure cuff is worn. 
 
Reproductive risks:   
It is not known if the study drug can affect an unborn baby. Therefore, you should not become 
pregnant or father a baby while on this study. If you are physically able to father a baby, you must 
use an effective method of birth control while on this study. If you become aware that you or your 
sexual partner is pregnant during the course of your participation in this research study, you must 
contact, as soon as possible, the study doctor listed on the first page of this form.  
 
Risks of breach of confidentiality: 
Although we are taking many steps to protect your information, there is always a chance that your 
information or identity could be disclosed. We will continue to review and improve the ways we 
keep your information private. To protect the research data, a code will be assigned and the 
information linking the code to your identity will be stored in a separate secure location. To protect 
your information, we will keep your name and address separate from our information file. 
 
If I agree to take part in this research study, will I be told of any new risks that may be 
found during the course of the study? 
You will be promptly notified if any new information develops during the conduct of this research 
study which may cause you to change your mind about continuing to participate. 
 
What are possible benefits from taking part in this study? 
There is no guarantee that you will benefit from participating in this research study. Possible 
benefits to you from participating in this research project are obtaining a complete physical 
examination and laboratory blood tests including blood glucose and blood cholesterol and fat 
levels which may identify hidden diabetes or dyslipidemia. You will have your percentage and 
distribution of body fat assessed by DEXA. This information has been shown to predict cardiac 
and diabetic risk and may help you if you choose to participate in a weight management program 
after this study is completed. The information learned from this study may help investigators 
provide better care of patients with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and heart disease in the future. 
 
What other choices do I have if I do not take part in this research study? 
You may continue to get regular care from your doctor. 
 
Will my insurance provider or I be charged for the costs of any procedures performed as 
part of this research study? 
Neither you, nor your insurance provider, will be charged for the costs of any of the procedures 
performed for the purpose of this research study (i.e., the Screening Procedures, Experimental 
Procedures, or Follow-up Procedures described above). If you think that you or your health 
insurance has been charged, please contact a member of the research team and the UPMC billing 


 
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office that sent the bill.   
 
Will I be paid to take part in this research study? 
If you decide to participate, we will compensate you for your time: $200 for the (2) Baseline 
Assessment visits and $300 for (2) of the 3 Week 12 Completion Assessment visits. You will also 
be reimbursed $25 for the first dose of study drug visit, $25 for the week 12 dose of study drug 
visit and $10 for each of the (5) in person safety visits. The total compensation will be received 
when participation in all aspects of this study are completed and will be $600.00. For all visits 
except the screening visit, we will pay for your parking in the Montefiore Hospital parking garage. 
In the event that you drop out due to an adverse event, you will be reimbursed for the individual 
study visits that you completed to date per the above reimbursement schedule. 
 
Your biological sample may lead, in the future, to new inventions or products. If the investigators 
are able to develop new products from the research use of your biological sample, there are 
currently no plans to share with you any money or other rewards that may result from the 
development of these new products. 
 
Who will pay if I am injured as a result of taking part in this study? 
If you believe that you are injured as a result of the research procedures being performed, please 
contact immediately the Principal Investigator or one of the co-investigators listed on the first page 
of this form. Emergency medical treatment for injuries solely and directly related to your 
participation in this research study will be provided to you by the hospitals of UPMC. It is possible 
that UPMC may bill your insurance provider for the costs of this emergency treatment, but none 
of these costs will be charged directly to you. If your research-related injury requires medical care 
beyond this emergency treatment, you will be responsible for the costs of this follow-up care 
unless otherwise specifically stated. There is no plan for monetary compensation. You do not, 
however, waive any legal rights by signing this form. University of Pittsburgh researchers and 
their associates who provide services at UPMC recognize the importance of your voluntary 
participation in their research studies. These individuals and their staffs will make reasonable 
efforts to minimize, control, and treat any injuries that may arise as a result of this research.   
 
Who will know about my participation in this research study? 
Any information about you obtained from this research will be kept as confidential (private) as 
possible. All records related to your involvement in this research study will be stored in a locked 
file cabinet. Your identity on some of your records will contain your name when necessary (such 
as your consent form or lab results) and others will be indicated by a case number rather than by 
your name. The information linking these case numbers with your identity will be kept separate 
from the research records. Your biologic specimens will remain de-identified. You will not be 
identified by name in any publication of the research results unless you sign a separate consent 
form giving your permission (release).  
 
Will this research study involve the use or disclosure of my identifiable medical 
information? 
This research study will involve the recording of current and/or future identifiable medical 
information from your hospital and/or other (e.g., physician office) records. The information that 
will be recorded will be limited to information concerning your screening laboratory work and study 
participation. This information will be used for the purpose of determining whether you qualify, 
based on study specific eligibility criteria, for study participation. This information will be placed 
into your medical records held at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). The nature 


 
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of the identifiable information resulting from your participation in this research study that will be 
recorded in your medical record possibly includes your screening laboratory work, and information 
related to the muscle biopsy.  
 
Will my information be kept private?  
A portion of your biological samples may be stored away indefinitely and will be used for research 
pertaining to diabetes and heart and blood vessel diseases. Use of your biological samples, and 
information about your clinical illness obtained from your medical records will be under the control 
of the principal investigator of this research project. Your biological samples will be stored in the 
Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center. Your stored samples may be shared without 
identifiers with other researchers. In other words, these researchers will not be able to identify 
you from the specimens or from information extracted from the medical record. 
 
We will do our best to protect your privacy and keep your information safe by: 
 
• 
Using a number code to label your samples and other information. 
• 
Keeping your number code separate from your name, address, and other personal 
information. We will look at your information using the number code and not your personal 
information. 
• 
Keeping your test results and other information in a secure computer database. 
• 
Storing samples and other information in a secure place. We will limit and keep track of 
access to your samples to make sure they are safe. 
 
Who will have access to identifiable information related to my participation in this research 
study? 
In addition to the investigators listed on the first page of this authorization (consent) form and their 
research staff, the following individuals will or may have access to identifiable information (which 
may include your identifiable medical information) related to your participation in this research 
study:  
 
Authorized representatives of the University of Pittsburgh Research Conduct and 
Compliance Office may review your identifiable research information (which may include 
your identifiable medical information) for the purpose of monitoring the appropriate 
conduct of this research study.  
 
Authorized representatives of the UPMC hospitals or other affiliated health care providers 
may have access to identifiable information (which may include your identifiable medical 
information) related to your participation in this research study for the purpose of (1) 
fulfilling orders, made by the investigators, for hospital and health care services (e.g., 
laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures) associated with research study participation; (2) 
addressing correct payment for tests and procedures ordered by the investigators; and/or 
(3) for internal hospital operations (i.e. quality assurance). 
 
Authorized representatives of the Food and Drug Administration and the study sponsor 
(National Institute of Health), who may need to review the records for accuracy and 
completeness. Representatives of the study sponsor may also be present during your 
participation in the research study. While the study sponsor understands the importance 
of maintaining the confidentiality of your identifiable research and medical record 


 
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information, UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh cannot guarantee the confidentiality 
of this information after it has been obtained by the study sponsor. 
 
In unusual cases, the investigators may be required to release identifiable information (which may 
include your identifiable medical information) related to your participation in this research study in 
response to an order from a court of law.  If the investigators learn that you or someone with 
whom you are involved is in serious danger or potential harm, they will need to inform, as required 
by Pennsylvania law, the appropriate agencies.  
 
For how long will the investigators be permitted to use and disclose identifiable 
information related to my participation in this research study?The investigators may 
continue to use and disclose, for the purposes described above, identifiable information (which 
may include your identifiable medical information) related to your participation in this research 
study for a minimum of 7 years and for as long (indefinite) as it may take to complete this research 
study. It is University Policy to maintain research data for 7 years after final reporting and 
publication of a project.  
 
May I have access to my medical information that results from my participation in this 
research study? 
In accordance with the UPMC Notices of Privacy Practices document that you have been 
provided, you are permitted access to information (including information resulting from your 
participation in this research study) contained within your medical records filed with your health 
care provider. 
 
Is my participation in this research study voluntary? 
Your participation in this research study, to include the use and disclosure of your identifiable 
information for the purposes described above, is completely voluntary. (Note, however, that if you 
do not provide your consent for the use and disclosure of your identifiable information for the 
purposes described above, you will not be allowed, in general, to participate in the research 
study.) Whether or not you provide your consent for participation in this research study will have 
no effect on your current or future relationship with the University of Pittsburgh, current or future 
medical care at a UPMC hospital or affiliated health care provider, or current or future relationship 
with a health care insurance provider. 
 
Your doctor may be involved as an investigator in this research study. As both your doctor and a 
research investigator, s/he is interested both in your medical care and the conduct of this research 
study. Before agreeing to participate in this research study, or at any time during your study 
participation, you may discuss your care with another doctor who is not associated with this 
research study. You are not under any obligation to participate in any research study offered by 
your doctor. 
 
May I withdraw, at a future date, my consent for participation in this research study? 
You may withdraw, at any time, your consent for participation in this research study, to include 
the use and disclosure of your identifiable information for the purposes described above (Note, 
however, that if you withdraw your consent for the use and disclosure of your identifiable medical 
record information for the purposes described above, you will also be withdrawn, in general, from 
further participation in this research study). Any identifiable research or medical information 
recorded from your participation in this research study prior to the date that you formally withdrew 
your participation may continue to be used and disclosed by the investigators for the purposes 


 
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described above. Your biological samples stored for future research analyses will be kept unless 
you request for the sample to be destroyed. Your samples will not be labeled with direct identifiers. 
Your identity on these samples and records will be indicated by a case number rather than by 
your name or social security number. 
 
 
To formally withdraw your consent for participation in this research study, you should provide a 
written and dated notice of this decision to the principal investigator of this research study at the 
address listed on the first page of this form. 
 
Your decision to withdraw your consent for participation in this research study will have no effect 
on your current or future medical care at a UPMC hospital or affiliated health care provider or your 
current or future relationship with a health care insurance provider. 
 
If I agree to take part in this research study, can I be removed from the study without my 
consent? 
You may be removed from the study by the investigators in the event that the investigators feel 
that the study may adversely influence your health, if you don't comply with study requirements, 
if your pregnancy test proves positive, or you develop a severe, acute illness during the study 
period. Should any of these occur, your participation in the study will be terminated, and you will 
continue to receive appropriate care as necessary.  
 
Any identifiable research or medical information recorded for, or resulting from your participation 
in this research study prior to the date that you were withdrawn from participation may continue 
to be used and disclosed by the investigators for the purposes described. 
 
What are my rights if I take part in this study? 
Taking part in this study is your choice. You may choose either to take part or not to take part in 
the study. If you decide to take part in this study, you may leave the study at any time. No matter 
what decision you make, there will be no penalty to you and you will not lose any of your regular 
benefits.  
************************************************************************************************************ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
VOLUNTARY CONSENT 
The above information has been explained to me and all of my current questions have been 
answered. I understand that I am encouraged to ask questions, voice concerns or complaints 
about any aspect of this research study during the course of this study, and that such future 
questions, concerns or complaints will be answered by a qualified individual or by the 
investigator(s) listed on the first page of this consent document at the telephone number(s) given. 
I understand that I may always request that my questions, concerns or complaints be addressed 
by a listed investigator.  
 
I understand that I may contact the Human Subjects Protection Advocate of the IRB Office, 
University of Pittsburgh (1-866-212-2668) to discuss problems, concerns, and questions; obtain 


 
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information; offer input; or discuss situations in the event that the research team is unavailable.  
 
By signing this form, I agree to participate in this research study. A copy of this consent form will 
be given to me. 
 
My biological samples, or the information about my illness obtained from my medical or research 
records, may be combined together without personal identifiers with other research projects 
pertaining to diabetes and heart and blood vessel diseases to learn even more about nitrite effects 
on mitochondrial function.   
 
 YES       
 NO             Initials: _________________ 
 
_________________________________ 
Printed Name of Participant  
 
_________________________________                 _______________________ 
Signature of Participant                                              Date 
 
 
CERTIFICATION OF INFORMED CONSENT:  
I certify that I have explained the nature and purpose of this research study to the above-named 
individual(s), and I have discussed the potential benefits and possible risks of study participation. 
Any questions the individual(s) have about this study have been answered, and we will always be 
available to address future questions as they arise. I further certify that no research component 
of this protocol was begun until after this consent form was signed. 
 
 
________________________________  
 
________________________ 
Printed Name of Person Obtaining Consent   
Role in Research Study 
 
 
_________________________________   
________________________ 
Signature of Person Obtaining Consent  
 
Date