Lipid Metabolism

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study will evaluate the metabolic effects of CORDICOL, a formulation containing Ophiocordyceps sinensis extract (200 mg) and Coenzyme Q10 (50 mg), in adults with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia. The study will compare CORDICOL with placebo, with LDL cholesterol as the primary outcome and additional assessments of lipid and glucose metabolism, safety, tolerability, and quality of life. The study will include a 2-week run-in period followed by a 12-week treatment period. Participants will undergo baseline assessment and randomization at T0, an intermediate safety and compliance assessment at Week 4 (T1), and a final assessment at Week 12 (T2). A remote follow-up will be conducted 30 days after treatment completion (T3) to assess quality of life and any late adverse events. The study will provide clinical information on the potential metabolic effects, safety, and tolerability of CORDICOL in subjects with mild-to-moderate hypercholesterolemia.

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), delivered in different formulations, on beta-hydroxybutyrate response (as a marker of ketone body production), lipid metabolism, and glucose responses in healthy adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: Do MCTs influence beta-hydroxybutyrate responses, lipid metabolism, and glucose responses differently compared to long-chain triglycerides (LCTs)? Do different types of MCTs (natural sources containing C8 to C12 versus synthetic formulations containing only C8 and C10) lead to different beta-hydroxybutyrate, lipid, and glucose responses? Does the form in which MCTs are consumed (e.g., powders or incorporated into foods) influence beta-hydroxybutyrate production, lipid metabolism, and glucose responses? Researchers will compare five different lipid formulations to evaluate their effects on postprandial beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations, blood lipid levels, and glucose. Participants will: Consume five different test products on separate study visits. Provide blood samples for up to five hours after each intake for metabolic measurements.

The goal of this study is to understand if there are differences in the fat, muscle and metabolism of individuals who developed obesity during childhood versus those who developed obesity in adulthood. We will do this by having recruited participants undergo subcutaneous adipose tissue biopsies in the abdomen and thigh, a muscle biopsy in the thigh, collect blood and urine samples, a DEXA scan and 3 submaximal exercise tests. participants will also have their resting energy expenditure measured through indirect calorimetry to tailor a targeted weight loss protocol through caloric restriction and cardiovascular exercise (3 times a week). After 10% of weight loss is completed, study participants will repeat all tests during a 2 week weight stabilization period. At 12 weeks into the intervention, indirect calorimetry, DEXA scan and blood tests will be repeated.