Clonidine or Hydrochlorothiazide for the Reduction of Inflammation among Patients with Obesity, The MAPLE Study
This phase I trial compares how well clonidine works compared to hydrochlorothiazide or placebo in reducing inflammation among patients with obesity. Obesity is the primary gateway to additional cardiovascular disease risk factors such as increased insulin resistance, high levels of lipids (fat) in the blood (dyslipidemia), and high blood pressure (hypertension). This trial may help researchers determine the extent to which inflammation in the body is caused by elevated sympathetic nerve activity, which is nerve activity that is often elevated in conditions such as stress, high blood pressure, and weight gain. Clonidine is a commonly used Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug for hypertension. Clonidine decreases heart rate by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body. Clonidine works by reducing nerve activity. Hydrochlorothiazide is an FDA-approved drug used to treat hypertension. Hydrochlorothiazide, also known as Microzide, is a diuretics/"water pill." It helps the body get rid of extra salt and water. This medication also reduces extra fluid in the body (edema). Hydrochlorothiazide does not reduce nerve activity. Clonidine may have the best positive outcome on inflammation in the body.