The Effects of Metformin on Blood Vessel Structure and Function

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the drug Metformin has beneficial effects on the blood vessels of individuals with the Metabolic Syndrome (MeS).

Detailed Description
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Individuals with the Metabolic Syndrome (MeS) are at increased risk for developing cardiovascular diseases. This increased risk may, in part, be related to abnormalities in the blood vessels. MeS is defined as having 3 or more of the following 5 criteria: Abdominal obesity (waist measurement >39.8 inches in men, >34.4 inches in women) Elevated triglycerides (>150 mg/dl) Low HDL or good cholesterol (<40 mg/dl in men or <50 mg/dl in women) Elevated blood pressure (>130/85) or treatment for high blood pressure Elevated fasting blood sugar (>100 mg/dl) Metformin is a medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of diabetes; however, it can also be safely administered to non-diabetic subjects. We are evaluating whether Metformin reduces the stiffness of blood vessels and improves endothelial function. This study requires 4 visits to the NIA Clinical Research Center (located on the premises of Harbor Hospital) over a 5-month period. At the initial visit, patients will be given a physical examination with blood and urine tests, and an EKG. They will be randomized into one of two groups; one group will receive Metformin (1700 mg per day), while the other group will receive a placebo. Participants will take the medication for 4 months. Subsequent visits will include additional blood tests, ultrasound and echo exams. Taking part in this study is entirely voluntary. All testing and medications will be provided at no cost to the participant or their family.

Official Title
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The Effects of Metformin on Vascular Structure and Function in Subjects With the Metabolic Syndrome (MET Trial)

Conditions
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Obesity, Hypertension, Hypercholesterolemia, Hyperglycemia

Intervention / Treatment
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* Drug: Metformin
* Drug: Placebo


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Participants with the Metabolic Syndrome, which is defined as having 3 or more of the following 5 alterations: Abdominal obesity (waist measurement >39.8 inches in men, >34.4 inches in women) Elevated triglycerides (>150 mg/dl) Low HDL or good cholesterol (<40 mg/dl in men or <50 mg/dl in women) Elevated blood pressure (>130/85) or treatment for high blood pressure Elevated fasting blood sugar (>100 mg/dl) Exclusion Criteria: Diabetes treated with medication Blood pressure >160/100 mmHg Clinical Congestive Heart Failure Anemia with hematocrit <32% Asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) requiring daily medication or use of home oxygen therapy Major surgery planned within the next six months A recent, unexplained weight loss of >10% of body weight in the past 6 months A known allergy or hypersensitivity to Metformin History of hepatitis or cirrhosis History of kidney disease (defined as serum creatinine >1.4 mg/dL in men, >1.3 mg/dL in women) Pregnancy or the absence of an effective method of contraception Illicit drug or alcohol abuse Cancer requiring treatment currently or recently completed treatment in the last 2 months

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 21 Years
Maximum Age: 80 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Quadruple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo<br>placebo | Drug: Placebo<br>* placebo tablet once a day for one month, then twice a day for 3 months<br>|
| Experimental: Metformin<br>Metformin 850 mg twice daily | Drug: Metformin<br>* 850mg tablet once a day for one month, then twice a day for 3 months<br>* Other names: Fortamet®; Glucophage®; Glumetza™; Riomet™;|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Change in Arterial Stiffness Compared to Baseline |  | Baseline and 4.5 months | 
| Change in Flow Mediated Dilation (FMD) | to evaluate improvement in endothelial function | Baseline and 4.5 months | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Metabolic Syndrome, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, High Blood Sugar