Status:
COMPLETED
Self-Directed Biological Transformation Initiative
Lead Sponsor:
University of California, San Diego
Collaborating Sponsors:
Harvard University
Scripps Translational Science Institute
Conditions:
Healthy
Eligibility:
All Genders
40-80 years
Phase:
NA
Brief Summary
It is becoming increasingly recognized in the literature that ancient practices for wellbeing, including meditation, yoga, and specific herbs, can improve health and promote longevity. While studies h...
Detailed Description
SPECIFIC AIMS 1. To examine the effects of the Self-Directed Biological Transformation Initiative (SBTI) course participants compared to control group participants on key biochemical and physiologica...
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion
- Men and women between the ages of 40-80 years
Exclusion
- Self-reported diagnosis of a major medical condition, such as cancer (including those who have received past radiation or chemotherapy treatment), heart disease, autoimmune disease, or diabetes, as these can affect the cell aging system and possibly the ability for telomerase to change in short periods
- Individuals taking antidepressant medication will be excluded since such medication appears to increase telomerase (Wolkowitz et al, 2010)
- Individuals with diagnosed PTSD will be excluded; there is evidence that those with PTSD may have lower telomere length as compared to those without PTSD (O'Donovan et al, 2011). It is currently unknown how PTSD may impact telomerase levels
- Estrogen use is excluded as it increases telomerase (Lin et al, 2011)
- Smokers will be excluded since smoking decreases telomerase. We will base smoking status on self report. If participants have not smoked regularly for the past 6 months, they will be considered a 'non-smoker
- Pregnant women are excluded since the cell aging system changes during pregnancy in ways that have not been studied
- Participants with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 35 or greater will be excluded due to differences in telomerase activity in obese women
- Potential eligible participants who are unable to secure the week off from work or other responsibilities will not be enrolled
- Known atrial fibrillation or other chronic dysrhythmia
Key Trial Info
Start Date :
September 1 2014
Trial Type :
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation :
ACTUAL
End Date :
February 1 2015
Estimated Enrollment :
115 Patients enrolled
Trial Details
Trial ID
NCT02241226
Start Date
September 1 2014
End Date
February 1 2015
Last Update
December 16 2015
Active Locations (1)
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1
Chopra Center for Wellbeing
Carlsbad, California, United States, 92009