Clinical Trials

Overview

About this study

Muscle insulin resistance is a hallmark of upper body obesity (UBO) and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM), whereas lower body obesity (LBO) is characterized by near-normal insulin sensitivity. It is unknown whether muscle free fatty acid (FFA) availability or intramyocellular fatty acid trafficking differs between different obesity phenotypes. Likewise, we do not understand to what extent the incorporation of FFA into ceramides or diacylglycerols (DG) affect insulin signaling and muscle glucose uptake. By measuring muscle FFA storage into intramyocellular triglyceride, intramyocellular fatty acid trafficking, activation of the insulin signaling pathway and glucose disposal rates we will provide the first integrated examination of the interaction between FFA and muscle insulin action from the whole body to the cellular/molecular level. By identifying which steps in the insulin signaling pathway are most affected, we will determine the site-specific effect of ceramides and/or DG on different degrees of insulin resistance.
Hypothesis 1: Greater trafficking of plasma FFA into intramyocellular DG will impair proximal insulin signaling and reduce muscle glucose uptake.
Hypothesis 2: Greater trafficking of plasma FFA into intramyocellular ceramides will impair distal insulin signaling and reduce muscle glucose uptake.
Hypothesis 3: The uptake of plasma FFA destined to intramyocellular triglycerides is increased relative to FFA concentrations in UBO and T2DM compared with LBO.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

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