Dietary Nitrate Supplementation and Vessel Health
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Effects of Dietary Nitrate Supplementation on Microvascular and Large Vessel Endothelial Function in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Longitudinal Study
IRAS ID
249445
Contact name
Aamer Sandoo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory musculoskeletal disease characterised by increased swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints. RA patients also present with a two-fold greater risk of heart attack and strokes when compared to the general population. It is thought that inflammation in the joints also narrows the blood vessels of the body (especially the heart) leading to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In healthy blood vessels, a biological molecule called nitric oxide (NO) protects the blood vessels from harm, but RA patients have evidence of reduced NO levels. The present project aims to build on previous studies which have showed that RA patients have evidence of abnormal blood vessel function and that this may contribute to the CVD events. However, interventions which typically improve blood vessel function, such as exercise, are difficult to implement in RA. In light of the recent drive for “Prudent Healthcare”, alternative interventions that show appreciable benefits for minimal cost are being sought. Recently, the administration of dietary nitrates (such as beetroot juice) has shown promise in restoring blood vessel function in elderly individuals. It is likely that the same mechanisms responsible for the improvement in the elderly may also positively impact the blood vessels of patients with RA. However, it is unclear whether such vegetables exert any long-term effect on the blood vessels in RA patients. Thus, we aim to conduct a 6 month randomised control trial in RA with two arms: (1) nitrate supplementation using 70ml of beetroot juice; (2) equivalent placebo drink. The main study outcomes will include assessment of blood vessel health and autonomic function performed before the intervention starts with follow up visits scheduled at 4 weeks and 8 weeks
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0005
Date of REC Opinion
19 Feb 2019
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion