Growing evidence from our group and others shows that low-grade chronic inflammation, characterized by elevations in plasma C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and particularly Interleukin-6 (IL-6), is an independent risk factor o disability, impaired mobility, and lower walking speed. Low-grade chronic inflammation is a modifiable risk factor. However, it is unknown whether interventions that reduce the levels of inflammatory markers per se improve mobility, or avert decline in mobility in older persons. To address this gap in evidence we propose the randomized clinical trial ENRGISE (ENabling Reduction of low-Grade Inflammation in SEniors) to test the ability of anti-inflammatory interventions for preventing major mobility disability by improving or preserving walking ability. We have maximized the public health impact of our proposed interventions by selecting interventions that are safe, tolerable, acceptable, and affordable for vulnerable older persons. Based on an extensive literature review, we propose to test the efficacy vs. placebo of the angiotensin receptor blocker losartan and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the form of fish oil, alone and in combination. Both angiotensin receptor blockers and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have shown to reduce IL-6 in clinical trials and preliminary data suggest that they may improve physical function. We plan to recruit older persons who are at risk for, or with, mobility impairment, as measured by slow gait speed and self-reported mobility difficulty, and who have elevated levels of IL-6, the marker most consistently associated with mobility limitations. Preliminary data regarding feasibility need to be gathered before such a tria can be effectively designed and implemented. We propose to conduct a feasibility phase that includes performing meta-analyses of existing trials and cohorts, and conducting a pilot trial to assess the effects of the interventions on several inflammatory markers and walking speed. This will allow us to refine the design, recruitment yields, target population, adherence, retention, tolerability, sample-size, and cost for the main ENRGISE trial. We will assemble the multicenter research infrastructure needed for the ENRGISE pilot and main trials, including the biorepository, and we will develop the materials needed for implementing the trials, including the protocol, manual of operations, data and safety monitoring plan, forms, quality control and quality assurance plan, and recruitment and retention materials.

Public Health Relevance

ENRGISE will address critical public health issues regarding mobility disability prevention. We will test the anti- inflammatory effects of widely available and affordable interventions and their impact on mobility in a highly vulnerable population, older adults with elevated levels of inflammation and slow gait speed, at risk of mobility disability.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Research Project--Cooperative Agreements (U01)
Project #
3U01AG050499-02S1
Application #
9313531
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZAG1)
Program Officer
Romashkan, Sergei
Project Start
2016-08-01
Project End
2018-05-31
Budget Start
2016-08-01
Budget End
2017-05-31
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Florida
Department
Internal Medicine/Medicine
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
969663814
City
Gainesville
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
32611
Manini, Todd M; Anton, Stephen D; Beavers, Daniel P et al. (2017) ENabling Reduction of Low-grade Inflammation in SEniors Pilot Study: Concept, Rationale, and Design. J Am Geriatr Soc 65:1961-1968