MitoQ for Cardiovascular Disease
(MOVHS Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it does mention that participants should be free from certain medical conditions and not have allergies to MitoQ.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug MitoQ for cardiovascular disease?
Research on Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), a component similar to MitoQ, shows it can improve heart health by reducing blood pressure and improving heart function in people with heart failure. CoQ10 is known to help with energy production in cells and has antioxidant properties, which may help protect the heart from damage.12345
What makes the drug MitoQ unique for treating cardiovascular disease?
MitoQ is unique because it targets mitochondria directly, enhancing their function and reducing oxidative stress, which is different from other treatments that may not specifically focus on mitochondrial health. This approach can potentially improve energy production in heart cells and protect them from damage, offering a novel way to support cardiovascular health.13567
What is the purpose of this trial?
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the number one cause of death in America and most of the post-industrial world. Hypertension is a leading risk factor for CVDs including stroke, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. Black Americans suffer from the highest rates of hypertension of any racial/ethnic group in America, among the highest in the world. There are also well-documented racial disparities in vascular dysfunction (e.g., endothelial dysfunction, arterial stiffening). Thus, racial disparities in hypertension and vascular dysfunction exacerbate the burden of CVDs, with Black Americans being 30% more likely to die from CVD than any other race in the US. It is established that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to vascular dysfunction. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding whether targeting mitochondrial dysfunction attenuates oxidative stress, vascular dysfunction, and CVD risk among Black adults at heightened CVD risk. Thus, the investigators will conduct an 8-week trial with the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQ in middle-aged and older Black and non-Black adults. Our overarching hypothesis is that mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to heightened oxidative stress, vascular dysfunction, and higher BP in Black adults; and that MitoQ will attenuate these racial differences. Importantly, the investigators will also assess social determinants of health (e.g., income, neighborhood disadvantage, discrimination) and health behaviors (e.g., diet, physical activity) and uncover their role in oxidative stress, vascular function, and BP Regarding methodology, the investigators will perform blood draws, vascular testing, preceding and following an 8-week, 20mg daily consumption of MitoQ and placebo. The investigators will also measure urine biomarkers of kidney function and blood pressure in adults (45-75 years old).
Research Team
Austin T Robinson, PhD
Principal Investigator
Kinesiology Building
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for middle-aged and older adults (45-75 years old) who are generally healthy but at risk of cardiovascular disease, particularly Black Americans. Participants must not have medical conditions that prevent exercise, giving blood, or allergies to MitoQ ingredients. They should have a BMI under 40 Kg/m2 and blood pressure below 150/90 mmHg without a history of serious diseases like cancer, diabetes, or heart issues.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Baseline assessments including blood draws, vascular testing, and questionnaires on sleep, mood, and social determinants of health
Treatment
Participants receive 8-week supplementation of MitoQ or placebo, with blood pressure and vascular function assessments
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including post-treatment blood draws and vascular testing
Treatment Details
Interventions
- MitoQ
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Auburn University
Lead Sponsor