NCT06408961 · Massachusetts General Hospital
EVOC - EVs in Obesity and Cardiometabolic Disease
(EVOC)
What this study is about
The goal of this observational study is to research the impact of molecular signals from the heart, liver and fat tissue on cardiovascular disease risk, and the presentation of Type II Diabetes and diseases that affect the heart, blood vessels and metabolism (Cardiometabolic Disease).
View original scientific description
The goal of this observational study is to research the impact of molecular signals from the heart, liver and fat tissue on cardiovascular disease risk, and the presentation of Type II Diabetes and diseases that affect the heart, blood vessels and metabolism (Cardiometabolic Disease). Specifically, the focus is on the content and function of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), small sacs released from a cell's surface that contain important molecular cargo. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. What molecular cargo do adipose-tissue EVs carry? 2. How do these cargo impact cardiac and hepatic function? 3. Are changes in EV content related to cardiac function and adiposity with weight loss? Tissue samples from fat tissue and blood samples will be collected from patients receiving bariatric weight loss surgery.
Primary outcome measures
What are the contents inside of fat (adipose) tissue derived Extracellular Vesicles (EVs)?
Time frame: 2 years
The study staff aim to obtain EVs from fat samples obtained at the time of bariatric weight loss surgery. The activity of genes within the cargo of the collected EVs are assessed using RNA sequencing and protein contents analysis. A statistical analysis performed utilizing computer technology will provide us with differentially expressed cargo that may be a step in the molecular communication pathway to the heart and liver tissues.
How does the contents of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) impact cardiac and liver function?
Time frame: 2 years
The study will look at the functional role of EVs from visceral and subcutaneous fat tissue on 3D organ on chip (liver on chip) and the heart's muscle cells (cardiomyocytes) using microscopes, gene expression and an assessment of the cardiomyocyte's electrical properties. It is predicted that changes in the recipient cell's gene expression will correlate with the contents discovered in Outcome 1.
Are changes in Extracellular Vesicle (EV) content related to cardiac function and adiposity with weight loss?
Time frame: 2 years
EVs collected from fat tissue are present in blood and provide a minimally invasive method to determine the fat cell's activity for turning food to into energy. We aim to assess how the content of EVs collected from plasma within the blood, and the content related to fat tissue EVs from Objective 1 change with weight loss.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age greater than or equal to 18 years of age
- Obese (BMI\>/=30 kg/m2; for obesity/bariatric surgery group)
- For 20 patients, additional criteria will be presence of pre-diabetes or diabetes (HgbA1c \> 5.7 or Fasting blood glucose \> 100).
Exclusion criteria
- Pregnancy (as adjudicated by patient history)
- Prior clinical history of myocardial infarction or valvular heart disease
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
Collaborators
American Heart Association
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations