NCT06482853 · Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
Cardiovascular Effects of Angiotensin-(1-7) in Obesity Hypertension
What this study is about
Obesity is a global health concern that is associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study is to find out if the experimental drug angiotensin-(1-7) can improve cardiovascular health in people with obesity and high blood pressure.
View original scientific description
Obesity is a global health concern that is associated with high blood pressure and an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study is to find out if the investigational drug angiotensin-(1-7) can improve cardiovascular health in people with obesity and high blood pressure.
Interventions
DRUG
Angiotensin-(1-7)
This is a biologically active endogenous angiotensin peptide that may play an important role in regulation of blood pressure.
DRUG
Saline
Saline will be used as the placebo comparator.
Primary outcome measures
Change in Muscle Sympathetic Nerve Burst Rate
Time frame: 120 minutes
Muscle sympathetic nerve burst rate will be measured continuously using peroneal nerve microneurography during angiotensin-(1-7) versus saline infusion.
Change in Brachial Artery Diameter
Time frame: 120 minutes
A blood pressure cuff will be inflated to a suprasystolic pressure for 5 minutes then deflated. Brachial artery diameter will be measured continuously before, during, and after cuff inflation using duplex ultrasound at baseline and at the end of angiotensin-(1-7) versus saline infusion.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Men and women of all races
- Age 18 to 65 years
- Body mass index (BMI) between 30-45 kg/m2
- Pre-hypertension (defined as two or more seated blood pressure readings \>120/80 mmHg) or hypertension (defined as two or more seated blood pressure readings \>130/80 mmHg or use of antihypertensive medications)
- Capable of giving informed consent
- Fluent in written and spoken English
- Satisfactory history and physical exam
Exclusion criteria
- Age ≤ 17 or ≥ 66 years
- Taking more than two antihypertensive medications
- Secondary causes of hypertension (e.g., pheochromocytoma, primary aldosteronism, aortic coarctation, adrenal disease)
- Pregnant or nursing women
- Women taking hormone replacement therapy within 6 months
- Decisional impairment
- Alcohol or drug abuse
- Current smokers
- Highly trained athletes
- Subjects with \>5% weight change in the past 3 months
- BMI \> 45 kg/m2
- Evidence of type I or type II diabetes (fasting glucose \> 126 mg/dL or use of anti-diabetic medications)
- History of serious cardiovascular disease (e.g. myocardial infarction within 6 months, symptomatic coronary artery disease, presence of angina pectoris, significant arrhythmia, congestive heart failure, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, second or third degree heart block, mitral valve stenosis, aortic stenosis, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy) or cerebrovascular disease (e.g. cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, transient Ischemic attack)
- History or presence of immunological or hematological disorders
- Impaired hepatic function \[aspartate aminotransferase (AST) or alanine transaminase (ALT) levels \>2 times upper limit of normal range\]
- Impaired renal function (serum creatinine \>2.0 mg/dl)
- Treatment with drugs increasing sympathetic activity \[e.g., serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibitors, stimulants\]
- Treatment with phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors
- Treatment with anticoagulants (e.g. warfarin)
- Treatment with chronic systemic glucocorticoid therapy (\>7 consecutive days in 1 month)
- Treatment with any investigational drug in the 1-month preceding the study
- Inability to give, or withdraw, informed consent
Where
- Hershey, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Sep 19, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations