The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if 3 months of taking the dietary supplement MitoQ \[a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant that targets to reduce mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mitoROS)\] works to treat age- and menopause-related reductions in brain artery (cerebrovascular) function in postmenopausal women 60 years of age or older free of clinical disease. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does MitoQ improve cerebrovascular function in postmenopausal women?
If so, does MitoQ improve cerebrovascular function by lowering mitoROS in these arteries?
Researchers will compare MitoQ to a placebo (a look-alike substance that contains no drug) to see if MitoQ can improve cerebrovascular function by lowering mitoROS in arteries involved in brain health and function.
Participants will:
Take MitoQ (20 mg/day) or a placebo every day for 3 months
Visit the research laboratory at baseline and then after 3 months for cerebrovascular testing; there is also a check-in visit at 6 weeks, which is the halfway point
Keep track of symptoms and events during their treatment period to report to the study team
Age 60 years or older;
Postmenopausal women defined as at least 1 year without menses as self-reported;
Estrogen-deficient; no hormone therapies (e.g., estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, DHEA, oral contraceptives, etc.) within the previous 6 months;
Ability to provide informed consent;
History of uncontrolled hypertension;
Currently meeting aerobic exercise guidelines of ≥75 mins/week of vigorous or ≥150 mins/week of moderate intensity exercise as assessed by Modified Activity Questionnaire;
Current smoker;
Alcohol dependence or abuse;
Colorado State University
Lead sponsor
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Collaborator