Dr. Douglas R Seals, PhD
Claim this profileUniversity of Colorado Boulder
Studies Aging
Studies Heart Murmur
3 reported clinical trials
5 drugs studied
Affiliated Hospitals
Clinical Trials Douglas R Seals, PhD is currently running
Nicotinamide Riboside
for High Blood Pressure
Aging is the primary risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the number one cause of death in developed societies. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) increase with age and is a key intermediary factor linking aging to increased CVD risk. The primary mechanisms underlying the age-associated increase in SBP is stiffening of the large elastic arteries, which is mediated by increases in oxidative stress, inflammation, and vascular smooth muscle tone. Regular caloric restriction is effective at lowering SBP in middle-aged and older adults; however, adherence to caloric restriction is poor and may be detrimental to normal weight older adults due to reduced skeletal muscle mass and bone mineral density. Therefore, identification of more practical alternative interventions that mimic the beneficial effects of caloric restriction, with stronger adherence and less risk of adverse consequences, is of significant biomedical importance. Nicotinamide riboside is a naturally occurring precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a critical mediator of the beneficial effects of caloric restriction, and therefore a novel caloric restriction mimetic compound. We recently completed the first pilot study of nicotinamide riboside supplementation in healthy middle-aged and older adults and demonstrated that 6 weeks of supplementation decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 8 mmHg in individuals with baseline SBP of 120-139 mmHg (elevated SBP/stage 1 hypertension) compared with placebo, and lowered arterial stiffness, a strong independent predictor of CVD and related morbidity and mortality. As a next translational step, we will conduct a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial to further assess the safety and efficacy of oral nicotinamide riboside (3 months vs placebo) for decreasing SBP and arterial stiffness in middle-aged and older men and women with SBP between 120 and 139 mmHg at baseline.
Recruiting0 awards Phase 210 criteria
Antioxidant Supplementation
for Aging-Related Vascular Dysfunction
The majority of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) occur in men and women ≥60 years of age. Vascular dysfunction, including endothelial dysfunction, as assessed by reduced endothelium-dependent dilation (EDD), and stiffening of the large elastic arteries (i.e., aortic and carotid artery stiffening), is a major mechanism of increased risk of CVD in older adults. Excess production of ROS (reactive oxygen species) by mitochondria (mtROS) has emerged as a central feature of vascular oxidative stress with aging and driver of age-related vascular dysfunction. As such, identifying novel strategies to decrease mtROS and improve vascular function, to ultimately reduce the risk of age-related CVD, is an important biomedical objective. MitoQ is a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that accumulates at the inner mitochondrial membrane where it is optimally positioned to reduce mtROS. Preclinical findings showed that 4 weeks of oral MitoQ supplementation completely restored EDD in old mice, ameliorated mtROS-associated suppression of EDD, and was associated with reduced arterial mtROS, oxidative stress, and improved mitochondrial health. MitoQ therapy also reduced aortic stiffness in old mice. A recent small pilot study of older adults (n=20) found that supplementation with MitoQ was well-tolerated, improved endothelial function, and reduced plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein, a circulating biomarker of oxidative stress. Consistent with the preclinical findings, preliminary mechanistic assessments in subsets of subjects from the pilot study suggested that improved endothelial function with MitoQ was mediated by reduced endothelial cell mtROS production, associated reductions in tonic mtROS-related suppression of EDD, and improved mitochondrial health, linked in part to changes in circulating factors in the serum induced by chronic MitoQ supplementation. Lastly, MitoQ reduced aortic stiffness in older adults who exhibited age-related aortic stiffening at baseline. The investigators are conducting a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial to establish oral MitoQ (20 mg/day; MitoQ, Ltd.) for 3 months vs. placebo (n=56/group) for improving endothelial function in older men and women (≥60 years), and determine the mechanisms by which MitoQ improves endothelial function. The investigators will also assess the effect of MitoQ on aortic stiffness.
Recruiting0 awards Phase 2
More about Douglas R Seals, PhD
Clinical Trial Related6 years of experience running clinical trials · Led 3 trials as a Principal Investigator · 2 Active Clinical TrialsTreatments Douglas R Seals, PhD has experience with
- Placebo
- Heat Therapy
- Thermoneutral Water Immersion
- MitoQ
- Nicotinamide Riboside
Breakdown of trials Douglas R Seals, PhD has run
Aging
Heart Murmur
High Blood Pressure
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need insurance to participate in a trial?
Almost all clinical trials will cover the cost of the ‘trial drug’ — so no insurance is required for this. For trials where this trial drug is given alongside an already-approved medication, there may be a cost (which your insurance would normally cover).
What does Douglas R Seals, PhD specialize in?
Douglas R Seals, PhD focuses on Aging and Heart Murmur. In particular, much of their work with Aging has involved treating patients, or patients who are undergoing treatment.
Is Douglas R Seals, PhD currently recruiting for clinical trials?
Yes, Douglas R Seals, PhD is currently recruiting for 2 clinical trials in Boulder Colorado. If you're interested in participating, you should apply.
Are there any treatments that Douglas R Seals, PhD has studied deeply?
Yes, Douglas R Seals, PhD has studied treatments such as Placebo, Heat therapy, Thermoneutral water immersion.
What is the best way to schedule an appointment with Douglas R Seals, PhD?
Apply for one of the trials that Douglas R Seals, PhD is conducting.
What is the office address of Douglas R Seals, PhD?
The office of Douglas R Seals, PhD is located at: University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309 United States. This is the address for their practice at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Is there any support for travel costs?
The coverage of travel expenses can vary greatly between different clinical trials. Please see more financial detail in the trials you’re interested to apply.