Trial of Supplementation With Aged Garlic Extract to Improve Endothelial Function in Patients With Metabolic Syndrome (Kymes)

July 21, 2010 updated by: Universidad de Santander

A PROSPECTIVE, RANDOMIZED, DOUBLE-BLIND, PLACEBO-CONTROLLED TRIAL OF THE SUPPLEMENTATION WITH KIOLIC® IN PATIENTS WITH DIAGNOSIS OF METABOLIC SYNDROME TO IMPROVE ENDOTHELIAL FUNCTION AND INFLAMMATORY STATE. "KYMES"

Many studies have addressed the relationship between metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Risk factors include abdominal obesity, insulin resistance, abnormal lipid profile and hypertension. It is proposed that this condition leads to an increase in the production of inflammatory substances and endothelial dysfunction.

New therapies have been studied to improve control of metabolic disorders and reduce the endothelium damage. Aged garlic extract (Kyolic®) is a promising intervention that has antithrombotic and antioxidant properties. At the moment there is not data about the effects of supplementation with AGE in the endothelial function of patients with metabolic syndrome. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate if the supplementation with Kyolic® can alter the plasma levels of inflammatory markers, insulin and the endothelial function of patients with metabolic syndrome.

Methods and design: A randomized, cross over, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will be performed to assess the effects of 1.2 g of Kyolic in insulin resistance and endothelial function of 46 patients with diagnosis of metabolic syndrome. The participants will be recruited from the primary care centers from E.S.E ISABU Bucaramanga. All subjects who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to two periods of 12 weeks (Kyolic and placebo). Control visits will be programmed monthly to verify compliance and the presence of adverse events. Outcome variables (endothelial function assessed by flow mediated vasodilation, inflammatory markers, insulin plasma levels) will be evaluated at the initial visit and after 12 and 24 weeks of treatment.

Study Overview

Status

Unknown

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have become the main cause of death worldwide. It is estimated that 3.8 million men and 3.4 million women die every year from this cause (WHO 2006). In addition, an increase of 47 to 83 million disability-adjusted life years (DALY) between 1990 and 2020 has been projected for this disease (WHO 2006b). It is calculated that 5.3 million deaths by CVD occur in developed countries, while 8 to 9 million deaths occur in developing countries (Yusuf et al 2001; Lopez 1993). In Colombia, the death rate for CHD in 20-84 year old subjects increased from 58.5 per 100.000 in 1980 to 103.2 in 1996. Only 30% of this increase could be attributed to population aging (Lopez-Jaramillo et al 2001). From 1997 to 2001 acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke and diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM 2) were responsible for 213.150 deaths (19.6%). Together, these deaths exceeded those due to violent causes, which for several years were the first cause of death in this country.

The INTERHEART study (Yusuf 2004) identified the risk factors associated with AMI in 52 developed and developing countries. Smoking, hypertension, abnormal lipids, abdominal obesity (AO), diabetes and psychosocial stress were associated with ischemic disease in all regions of the world with no differences in age and gender. However, Lanas et al. (2007) reported the results of 1237 Latin American subjects from Brazil, Argentina, Chile and Colombia, included in the INTERHEART study, demonstrated that central obesity was the most important risk factor associated with AMI in this population, much more than in the entire population of the study. We have proposed that the biological response to obesity in developed countries is different than in developing countries, and that this response is modulated through epigenetic regulation (Lopez-Jaramillo et al 2008).

The consumer society has given rise to an increase in the prevalence of overweight, obesity, hypertension, diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2) and finally metabolic syndrome (MS). Changes in the nutritional and physical habits are the main characteristics involved in the fast economic transition, where the over nutrition and the increased consumption of saturated fat and cholesterol, low intakes of polyunsaturated fat and lower physical activity are common determinants (Pi-Sunyer 2002).

The metabolic syndrome is a set of risk factors for diabetes mellitus type 2 and cardiovascular disease, characterized by the presence of resistance to insulin and compensating hyperinsulinemia, associate to alterations of carbohydrates and lipids metabolism, elevated arterial blood pressure and obesity (Pineda 2008). In 1988, Reaven observed that several risk factors (dislipidemia, hypertension, hyperglycemia) tended to be together. This set was named syndrome X (Reaven 1988). The name metabolic syndrome like a diagnostic entity with defined criteria was introduced by the WHO in 1998 (Alberti, Zimmet 1998). The metabolic syndrome prevalence varies according to some factors such as gender, age, ethnic group, but it is located between 15% to a 40%, being greater in the population of hispanic origin (Ford et al 2002). Metabolic syndrome is important in Colombia, where the population have a major sensibility to the development of an atherogenic lipid profile (Perez et al 2003), and low grade inflammation correlated to lower levels of abdominal obesity have been described (Garcia et al 2007). These factors are associated with an increase of the vascular reactivity to the angiotensin II stimulus (Rueda-Clausen et al 2007), hormone that is also produced in the visceral adiposity (17). The latter, at the endothelial level, increases the TNF production (Arenas et al 2004), a proinflammatory citokine that stimulates the hepatic production of C reactive protein (CRP), which in our population in situations such as abdominal obesity in adults (Garcia et al 2007) and children (Lopez-Jaramillo 2008b), arterial hypertension (Rueda-Clausen et al 2007), endothelial dysfunction (Garcia et al 2007b) and pregnancy induced hypertension (Teran et al 2001) is presented in higher levels than in other populations.

Recent studies have shown that obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes type 2 are proinflammatory states (Grundy et al 2004). It has been demonstrated that enlargement of adipocytes is frequently observed in obesity and in pre-diabetic individuals and in type 2 diabetics (Lundgren et al 2007). The increased adipocyte size may represent a failure in the recruitment of new adipocytes due to impaired differentiation; it has recently been shown that fat cell enlargement is an independent marker of insulin resistance (Rotter et al 2003). Cell size expansion leads to a reduction in the production of anti-inflammatory adipokines (like adiponectin) while proinflammatory cytokines (like IL-6, and PCR) are markedly increased (Rotter et al 2003).

Recent therapies have been introduced to achieve a control of metabolic disorders and reduce the endothelium damage of the metabolic syndrome. The garlic (Allium sativum) has been shown to improve blood lipids (Zlatkis et al 1953; Chi 1982; Shoetan et al 1984; Gebhart 1991;Welch et al 1992; Gebhart 1993; Yeh, Yeh 1994;), to have antithrombotic effects (Srivastava, Tyagi 1993), to decrease antiplatelet aggregation (Kiesewetter et al 1993) and to have antioxidative properties, (Sendl et al 1992; Yamasaki et al 1993). Besides, it has been reported that garlic stimulates the phagocytotic function of macrophage and lymphocyte proliferation (Tadi et al 1990). These effects are produced largely due to its high content of organosulfur compounds and antioxidant activity. However fresh garlic may cause indigestion and its pungent odor that lingers on the breath and skin can be a social deterrent. These disagreeable effects of fresh garlic are due to allicin, an oxidant released upon cutting or chewing the clove.

An alternative source of garlic that is odorless and rich in antioxidants is aged garlic extract (AGE) (Amagase et al 2001; Borek 2001). The well-standardized and highly bioavailable supplement is produced by prolonged extraction and aging of organic fresh garlic at a stable room temperature. The process converts unstable compounds, such as allicin, to stable substances and produces high levels of water-soluble organosulfur compounds. These include S-allylcysteine (SAC), AGE's major component, and S-allylmercaptocysteine, unique to AGE. Among other compounds present are low amounts of oil-soluble organosulfur compounds, flavonoids, a phenol, allixin, selenium, and saponins.

AGE has demonstrated to be useful in the reduction of the arterial tension; Steiner et al (Steiner et al 1996) realized a double-blind crossover study comparing the effect of aged garlic extract with placebo on blood lipids in a group of 41 moderately hypercholesterolemic men. Their results show that there was a 5.5% decrease in systolic blood pressure and a modest reduction of diastolic blood pressure in response to aged garlic extract. Slowing et al (2001) found that intake of garlic can prevent diet-induced hypercholesterolemia and vascular alteration in the endothelium-dependent relaxation associated with atherosclerosis, Macan et al (2006) administered AGE or placebo at a dose of 5 mL twice a day for 12 wk. to patients whom also received warfarin for 12 weeks, after this period the levels of HDL in the garlic group was higher compared with the placebo group.

Most of the effects of age garlic extract (AGE) can be explain because its levels of antioxidant compounds, whom increases nitric oxide production and decreases the output of inflammatory cytokines, the latter has been demonstrated in cultured cells.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an important intercellular and intracellular messenger with a major role in controlling the physiological function of the cardiovascular system (Palmer et al 1987; Moncada et al 1991). It is synthesized from L-arginine by NO synthases (NOSs) in many of the cells of the cardiovascular system, including endothelial cells, macrophages, smooth muscle cells, platelets and fibroblasts (42). Three kinds of NOSs, neuronal constitutive NOS (ncNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS) and endothelial constitutive NOS (ecNOS), were reported to be responsible for NO biosynthesis in these cells (Kerwin et al 1995). NO derived from ecNOS was reported to modulate vasomotor tone, inhibition of platelet aggregation and adhesion, inhibition of leucocyte migration, suggesting that NO could explain the anti-atherogenicity actions of the vascular endothelium (Moncada et al 1991).

Flow-mediated dilation (FMD), a noninvasive method that uses high-resolution ultrasonography, is an established test to assess endothelial function. The FMD technique measures the changes in the brachial artery diameter as a response to shear stress, and it is partially dependent on the capacity of endothelial cells to release nitric oxide (Celermajer et al 1992). This method has been validated in Colombian population (Accini et al 2001; Lopez-Jaramillo et al 2004) and has been used to evaluated the effect of AGE in endothelial function. Williams et al (2005) conducted a trial in 15 men with angiographically proven coronary artery disease in a randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design with 2-week treatment and washout periods. During AGE supplementation, FMD increased significantly (p = 0.04) from the baseline (44%) and mainly in men with lower baseline FMD. Levels of FMD at the end of AGE treatment were significantly (p = 0.03) higher compared with the corresponding levels at the end of placebo treatment.

However, at the moment there is not data about the effect of supplementation with AGE in the endothelial function in patients with metabolic syndrome. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate if the supplementation of Kyolic® can alter the levels of inflammatory markers and the endothelial function (measured by VMF) in patient with metabolic syndrome.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Anticipated)

46

Phase

  • Phase 4

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Contact

  • Name: Patricio Lopez-Jaramillo, MD, PhD
  • Phone Number: 2510 577-6382828
  • Email: jplopezj@hotmail.com

Study Contact Backup

Study Locations

  • Colombia
    • Santander
      • Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia, 0000000
        • Recruiting
        • Medicine School, Universidad de Santander
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Yudy A Rodriguez, Bact
        • Sub-Investigator:
          • Ronald G García, MD, PhD

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

16 years to 63 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Men and women over 18 years old with metabolic syndrome diagnosed by the presence of central obesity (waist circumference ≥ 90cm (male), ≥ 80 cm (female)) and two of the following criteria:
  • Triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dl
  • High density lipoprotein cholesterol <40 mg/dL (male),<50 mg/dL (female)
  • Blood pressure ≥ 130/85 mmHg
  • Fasting plasma glucose ≥ 100 mg/dl

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Garlic allergy
  • Patients with psychiatric disorders that prevent proper decision-making
  • Patients with infections or inflammatory conditions
  • Presence of coronary artery disease
  • Presence of severe chronic or terminal illnesses.
  • Presence of diseases that compromise the immune system.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Crossover Assignment
  • Masking: Quadruple

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Placebo Comparator: Placebo
Placebo 1.2 g per day for 12 weeks, followed by a second treatment period with aged garlic extract during 12 more weeks.
Drug: Placebo
Placebo 1.2 g per day for 12 weeks.
Experimental: Aged garlic extract (Kyolic ®)
Aged garlic extract, 1.2 g per day for 12 weeks, followed by a second treatment period with placebo during 12 more weeks.
Drug: aged garlic extract
Aged garlic extract, 1.2 g per day for 12 weeks
Other Names:
  • Kyolic

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Endothelial function assessed by flow mediated vasodilation and plasma levels of nitrites/nitrates
Time Frame: 12, 24 weeks

The flow mediated vasodilation is a non-invasive diagnostic test using high-resolution doppler ultrasound, that measures the changes in diameter of the brachial artery in response to increased blood flow (reactive hyperemia).

The plasma levels of nitrites/nitrates will be determined by immunoassay (R&D Systems, Inc)
12, 24 weeks

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein and interleukin-6
Time Frame: 12, 24 weeks
During the initial and follow-up visits, a blood sample will be taken to determine C-reactive protein by high sensitivity chemiluminescent immunometric assay (IMMULITE 1000, DPC, Los Angeles, CA) and Interleukin-6 by immunoassay (Biosource International, Camarillo, CA)
12, 24 weeks
Plasma insulin and glucose levels
Time Frame: 12, 24 weeks
Blood samples will be taken at the initial and follow-up visits (12,24 weeks) to determine blood glucose by automatic colorimetric method (Baker System 9120 AX, Biochem Immunosystem, Allentown, PA)and insulin plasma levels by high sensitivity chemiluminescent immunometric assay (IMMULITE 1000, DPC, Los Angeles, CA).
12, 24 weeks
Waist and hip circumference
Time Frame: 12, 24 weeks
Anthropometric measures will be determined at the initial and follow-up visits (12,24 weeks).
12, 24 weeks
Plasma levels of Adiponectin
Time Frame: initial visit, 12, 24 weeks
Blood samples will be taken at the initial and follow-up visits (12,24 weeks) to determine adiponectin by Human Adiponectin/Acrp30 Quantikine ELISA (R&D Systems, USA)
initial visit, 12, 24 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Universidad de Santander

Collaborators

Instituto de Salud de Bucaramanga

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Patricio López-Jaramillo, MD, PhD, Universidad de Santander

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

November 1, 2009

Primary Completion (Anticipated)

August 1, 2010

Study Completion (Anticipated)

October 1, 2010

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

July 21, 2010

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 21, 2010

First Posted (Estimate)

July 23, 2010

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

July 23, 2010

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

July 21, 2010

Last Verified

July 1, 2010

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • Kymes-Wakunaga-UDES

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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