Investigating Whether Acute Elevation of Fatty Acid Levels Alters Cerebral Glucose Transport and Metabolism

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA, CHAPEL HILL · Mar 27, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking to understand how obesity affects the way our brains use glucose, which is a type of sugar our bodies need for energy. Researchers believe that when someone is obese, their brain may not transport glucose as effectively, and this could be linked to higher levels of certain fatty acids in the blood. The study will use a special imaging technique called magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to measure glucose transport in the brain and see how it changes when fatty acid levels rise.

To participate in this trial, you need to be between 18 and 45 years old and meet specific weight criteria: either have a normal weight (BMI of 17-25) or be classified as obese (BMI over 30). Participants will not be able to have certain health conditions or take specific medications that might affect the results. If you are eligible and choose to take part, you can expect to undergo some tests to help researchers learn more about the relationship between obesity, fatty acids, and brain function. This trial is currently recruiting, and everyone is welcome to apply, regardless of gender.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 18-45 years
• • HbA1C \<6.5%
• • Normal weight individuals: BMI 17-25 kg/m\^2
• • Obese individuals: BMI \>30 kg/m\^2
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Creatinine \>1.5mg/dL
• • Hematocrit \<35% for females and \<39% for males
• • ALT and AST \>2.5X upper limit of normal
• • Abnormal TSH
• • Abnormal PT/PTT/INR
• • Triglycerides \>200 mg/dL
• • Known hepatic, gastrointestinal, renal, neurologic, psychiatric, cerebrovascular disease
• • Uncontrolled hypertension
• • Current or past 3 months use of ketogenic diet
• • Use of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that can alter cerebral metabolism or lipids
• • Smoking
• • Current or recent steroid use in last 6 months
• • \>5% body weight change in last 6 months
• • Illicit drug use/alcoholism
• • Inability to enter MRI/MRS
• • For women: pregnancy, seeking pregnancy, or breastfeeding