Pred Forte

This study will evaluate the effects of a multi-strain postbiotic supplement on markers of inflammation, immune function, gastrointestinal symptoms, psychological well-being, and intestinal permeability in healthy adults. The primary objective is to determine whether four weeks of postbiotic supplementation alters physiological and perceptual responses to a standardized bout of moderate-to-high intensity exercise compared with placebo. Approximately 50 healthy men and women aged 18 to 55 years will be enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group clinical trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a multi-strain postbiotic supplement or a matched placebo for 28 days. At the end of the supplementation period, participants will complete a 45-minute treadmill exercise bout at 75% of their individually determined maximum heart rate. Blood samples will be collected to assess biomarkers of inflammation, immune activity, and recovery. Gastrointestinal symptoms, intestinal permeability, anxiety, and perceived recovery will be evaluated using validated questionnaires. This study is designed to determine whether postbiotic supplementation modulates physiological stress responses and subjective well-being following prolonged exercise in healthy adults.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) at 1.75 atmospheres of pressure (ATA) improves cardiovascular fitness (VO₂ max) and reduces inflammation in healthy adults. HBOT involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber and is considered investigational for this use. Recent research has shown that different HBOT pressures can have different effects on inflammation. Specifically, some inflammatory cytokines (measurable markers of inflammation in the body) appear to decrease at low pressures like 1.3 ATA, while a different set of cytokines responds better at higher pressures, such as 2.0 ATA. Cytokines are small proteins that play a crucial role in cell signaling, particularly within the immune system. They help regulate inflammation, infection response, and overall immune function. While some cytokines promote inflammation to fight off threats, others help reduce inflammation when it's no longer needed. An imbalance in cytokines - especially excessive inflammatory cytokines - can contribute to chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and other health issues. In this study, we are testing an intermediate pressure - 1.75 ATA - to see if we can target both sets of cytokines at once. If successful, this approach could offer broader anti-inflammatory benefits. We are also interested in how this intermediate pressure may improve VO₂ max, a key indicator of cardiovascular fitness. Since VO₂ max is strongly linked to heart health and overall longevity, finding a safe and effective way to improve it has meaningful implications not just for athletes, but for anyone looking to enhance their fitness and well-being.

Toddlerhood (ages 2-3) is a critical window when the gut microbiome is still developing and eating habits are being established. Yet, many Canadian toddlers eat diets high in sugar and salt, which may affect long-term health. This study will test whether a MED diet can improve dietary inflammation, gut health, and body composition in toddlers and whether a tailored nutrition education program for parents can help families maintain healthy eating patterns. In this study, toddlers will be randomly assigned to a 3-week MED diet or their usual diet. Families in the MED diet group will receive free meal boxes for the 3 weeks, plus guidance from a nutrition researcher through a structured education program. The standard diet group will continue their regular diet with general nutrition advice. Researchers will collect dietary information, body composition assessments, and stool samples to measure gut microbiome composition and metabolites. This first study of a controlled diet intervention in toddlers, combining behavioral support, high-quality food provision, and advanced gut microbiome analysis, will help understand how early diet shapes lifelong eating habits and health, guiding public health strategies and precision nutrition approaches to prevent chronic disease from early life.

This randomized study will be conducted to compare the effect of a healthy beef-centric diet to a healthy U.S.-style dietary pattern on inflammation and other metabolic health outcomes in a metabolic syndrome and/or pre-diabetic population.

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine if a neuroscience-based computerized cognitive remediation ("brain training") program can treat neurocognitive dysfunction (i.e., memory or thinking difficulties) that emerges in some older adults following a viral infection. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does computerized cognitive remediation improve cognitive performance and day-to-day functioning in older adults with postviral neurocognitive dysfunction? * Will treatment effects be maintained over time, leading to better long term cognitive outcomes? * Does the treatment lead to reductions in blood-based markers of inflammation as a potential mechanism of cognitive symptom improvement? * Can the treatment be optimized and refined based on feedback from participants to improve user (patient) experience? Researchers will compare the computerized cognitive remediation program to an active computer-based control condition (alternative computer activities) to see if the computerized cognitive remediation program works to treat postviral neurocognitive dysfunction. Participation takes approximately 43-48 hours over 7 months, with most activities (40-46 hours) completed within the first 7-8 weeks, including: * Initial intake visit: Eligibility confirmation (\~2-3 hours) * Computer activities: About 5 hours per week for \~6 weeks (total \~30 hours) completed on a computer tablet provided by the study and loaned to participants for use during the treatment phase * Weekly remote check-in meetings: \~30 minutes each during treatment * Blood draws: Two sessions (before and after treatment), \~20-30 minutes each * Three research visits: Pre-treatment, post-treatment, and 6-month follow-up (\~2-3 hours each, including assessments of cognitive, emotional, and daily functioning)

Mangos contain a number of nutrients that may improve gut and metabolic health. The purpose of this research is to see how eating mangos every day for 4 weeks instead of snacks high in calories and low in nutrients such as cookies, crackers, chips, and candy can impact adolescent health.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of consuming grape powder on immune profiles in healthy middle- and older-aged individuals. Specifically, the investigators are interested in evaluating the potential effects of grapes in influencing markers of immune function, inflammation, and metabolism that are known to change with aging. Grapes contain several nutrients and antioxidant polyphenols such as resveratrol, quercetin, vitamin K and fiber, which are known to promote heart and immune health. However, the effects of grapes on altering immune profiles within the context of aging is not well understood. Therefore, this study will explore how daily grape consumption impacts certain markers of immunity in healthy middle- and older-aged adults. The main study procedures include consumption of a freeze-dried grape powder and control powder (which tastes the same but has none of the grape compounds that are being studied) mixed with water as a beverage on a daily basis for 4 weeks each. The investigators will additionally ask that participants avoid eating grapes and certain other antioxidant/grape-related foods and beverages throughout the 13-week study. Participants will additionally be asked to complete surveys about their diet, physical activity, and medical history, as well as provide blood samples and body weight measures throughout the course of the study. Participation in the study is expected to last about 6.25 hours over the course of 13 weeks and will include 7 visits.

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the clinical effect of orticumab treatment on inflammation in study participants with prior myocardial infarction who have elevated coronary inflammation based on CCTA. The main question it aims to answer is: Clinical effects of orticumab treatment on inflammation of the coronary artery parameters measured with CCTA Researchers will compare the effects with placebo group after 6 months of treatment Participants will Keep the planned study visit appointments Provide complete information about medical and medical history Speak to the study doctor before changing any of non-study treatments, including starting new medications, receiving any vaccinations, or setting out to join any other clinical studies

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine the effectiveness of using a freeze-dried wild blueberry powder on cardiometabolic health, cognitive function, and gut microbiota composition in adult women with prediabetes.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) works to lessen the amount of inflammation in adults diagnosed with Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP). The main question it aims to answer is: What is the effect of taking Vascepa on inflammation in the arteries in patients with CAP? Researchers will compare the drug Vascepa to a placebo (a look-alike submstance that contains no drug) to see if Vascepa works to reduce inflammation in patients with CAP. Participants wil: * take Vacscepa or a placebo twice a day for 6 months * Visit the clinic 3 times (baseline, 30 days, and 6 months) for checkups and tests

This study aims to investigate the impact of various healthy diets, specifically a modified plant-based Mediterranean diet, on the gut microbiome and overall well-being post-colonoscopy. The investigators hypothesize that certain diets can positively influence gut bacteria, reducing inflammation and enhancing metabolic signals. To explore this, they will utilize metagenomic testing on stool samples to analyze the DNA of gut microorganisms. Additionally, they will conduct immune profiling on serum samples and perform metabolomic analysis to comprehensively evaluate the diet-induced changes in immune response and metabolic pathways. This multi-faceted approach will help them understand how dietary changes affect the composition and function of the gut microbiome, immune function, and overall metabolism.

Polyphenol-rich Haskap berries (Haskap) have untapped therapeutic potential to improve human health, and agricultural producers in northern U.S. states are poised to increase production if consumer demand increases. A critical knowledge gap is that little is known about the interactions between gut microbes and Haskap polyphenols to produce bioactive metabolites linked to downstream health impacts. Additionally, little is known about which Haskap varieties and harvest timing yield the greatest bioactive potential. This study aims to address these gaps by investigating the interaction of bioactive components in Haskap with gut microbiota and the resultant gut and serum metabolites, inflammation, and metabolic health, and then couple this with analysis of berries from different Haskap varieties and harvest times.