Effects of Salsalate on Prandial-Induced Vascular Inflammation After Spinal Cord Injury (SCI)

To test Study Objective 1, 'overweight' and 'non-overweight' persons with SCI will be
compared at baseline for fasting and postprandial responses. For Study Objective 2, all
persons tested for Study Objective 1 will undergo randomization to either 1 month of
Salsalate (4.0 g/day) or placebo. An untreated wash-in (1 month) will precede treatment (1
month), and a washout cross-over period (1 month) will follow. The last month will test
effects of drug-placebo not examined in month 2. Fasting and postprandial responses will be
tested at each time point. Intention-to-treat clinical standards ("…as randomized, so
analyzed…") and 'last observation carried forward' clinical methods will be adopted.

Participants with tetraplegia are sought, as they have fewer exercise options than those
with paraplegia and are at greater risk for sedentary lifestyle resulting in CVD, CVD risks,
and obesity.

Inclusion Criteria:

- SCI resulting in tetraplegia at C3-C7

- injury for more than one year

Exclusion Criteria:

- 1. any recent dietary or other lifestyle changes;

- 2. diabetes or inflammatory medical conditions;

- 3. a pressure ulcer;

- 4. lung or bladder infection;

- 5. undiagnosed illness or fever;

- 6. recent surgery;

- 7. stomach ulcer or a history of stomach upset when taking aspirin or medicines like
aspirin, or ,

- 8. currently taking medicines used for pain or inflammation (aspirin and
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids), blood vessel diseases
(statins or fibric acid derivatives), blood clotting disorders (Coumadin, Plavix),
infections (antibiotics), diabetes (Metformin), and burning 'central' pain (voltage
regulators).