NCT05301192

Angiotensin-(1-7) Cardiovascular Effects in Aging

• Status: Recruiting
• Phase: EARLY_Phase 1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 26 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 65 Years – 80 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

Aging is an independent risk factor for developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease; however, the mechanisms underlying age-related cardiovascular disease remain poorly understood. One hallmark of aging is an increase in sympathetic nervous system activity, which can decrease the number and/or sensitivity of β2 adrenergic receptors to reduce dilation of blood vessels and increase blood pressure. Identifying new targets to restore vascular β2 adrenergic receptor signaling may help reduce cardiovascular risk in aging. This study will test the hypothesis that angiotensin-(1-7), a protective hormone of the renin-angiotensin system, can reduce cardiovascular sympathetic outflow and blood pressure and improve endothelial function in older healthy humans.

Detailed description

A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study will be conducted to determine if acute intravenous angiotensin-(1-7) infusion can reduce cardiovascular sympathetic tone and blood pressure and improve the function of blood vessels in older healthy individuals. This is an outpatient study that requires a screening visit, and if eligible, two study visits separated by at least one week in the Clinical Research Center within the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. The study visits will include intravenous infusion of angiotensin-(1-7) or saline for approximately two hours, starting with increasing doses and holding at a steady-state dose. Endothelial function will be measured and blood samples and endothelial cells collected at baseline and at the end of infusions. Blood pressure, heart rate, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity via microneurography will be measured throughout the study. Each study visit will last approximately 4 hours.

Conditions

• Aging

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Angiotensin-(1-7)	This is a biologically active endogenous angiotensin peptide that may play an important role in regulation of blood pressure.
DRUG	Saline	Saline will be used as the placebo comparator.

Timeline

• Start date: 2022-12-09
• Primary completion: 2026-12-01
• Completion: 2026-12-01
• First posted: 2022-03-29
• Last updated: 2025-09-19

Locations

1 site across 1 country: United States

Regulatory

• FDA-regulated drug study