Resveratrol and the Metabolic Syndrome

Study Summary

Metabolic syndrome is a serious health condition that affects about 35 percent of adults and places them at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and diseases related to fatty buildups in artery walls. The underlying causes of metabolic syndrome are obesity, being overweight, physical inactivity and genetic factors. In recent decades, the prevalence has increased dramatically in the United States. Lifestyle interventions including dietary modification, physical activity and weight loss form the basis of treatment for these patients. However, research has shown that even when people are able to incorporate these changes, they often revert back to their usual lifestyle resulting in weight gain and continued risk for diabetes and heart disease. Resveratrol, a natural plant derived compound found in grapes, peanuts and red wine, has been found to reverse some of the features of the metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance, high triglycerides, high blood pressure) in rodents. These improvements occurred without weight loss, and were proven to be a direct result of resveratrol ingestion. Other studies reveal improvement in cardiovascular health, tumor suppression, and longevity. However, there are few studies investigating these beneficial effects in humans. Investigators propose to prove that resveratrol, administered to subjects with the metabolic syndrome, under controlled conditions of weight stability, common diet, and strict compliance with the study drug, will improve the symptoms of the metabolic syndrome, thereby decreasing the chance of developing diabetes or heart disease.

Primary Outcome

Investigators anticipate resveratrol will have positive effect (ie reduction) on Insulin resistance as determined by Euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp

Conditions Studied

Interventions

• DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT Placebo
• DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT Resveratrol

Study Locations (1)