Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Human Hypertension
University of North Texas Health Science Center
Summary
There is strong evidence suggesting that endoplasmic reticulum stress contributes to neurogenic and vascular hypertension in various animal models, however this has never been explored in humans. Therefore, this project will fill this gap by performing a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial in humans with hypertension.
Description
The endoplasmic reticulum is a multipurpose organelle found in most human cells, including those in the brain and the endothelium of blood vessels. One of the primary functions of the endoplasmic reticulum is the posttranslational folding of new proteins and the reprocessing of misfolded or damaged proteins. Physiological and pathophysiological conditions can lead to the accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins, thus triggering the unfolded protein response which is a quality control system that maintains endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis. However, with prolonged or severe exposure to endop…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: 1. 18 to 80 years of age 2. No tobacco/nicotine use within preceding 6 months (e.g., cigarettes, chewing tobacco, nicotine gum or patches) 3. Systolic blood pressure \<140 mmHg; diastolic blood pressure \<90 mmHg (obtained at the Screening and Familiarization Visit) 4. Normal 12-lead ECG (obtained at the Screening and Familiarization Visit and reviewed by a board-certified physician) 5. Normal clinical results from a medical exam reviewed by a board-certified physician (e.g., General Health Questionnaire obtained at the Screening and Familiarization Visit) 6. Body mass ind…
Interventions
- DrugTUDCA
Endoplasmic reticulum stress will be inhibited by chronic (8 weeks) oral ingestion of the dietary supplement tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA; 1,750 mg/day)
- DrugPlacebo
Placebo pills containing microcrystalline cellulose will be ingested over the course of the 8 week intervention.
Location
- University of North Texas Health Science CenterFort Worth, Texas