NCT03818178 · Mayo Clinic
Intramyocellular Fatty Acid Trafficking in Insulin Resistance States - Effects of Intestinal Delivery of Lipids
What this study is about
Muscle insulin resistance is a hallmark of upper body obesity (UBO) and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It is unknown whether muscle free fatty acid (FFA) availability or intramyocellular fatty acid trafficking is responsible for muscle insulin resistance, although it has been shown that raising FFA with Intralipid can cause muscle insulin resistance within 4 hours.
View original scientific description
Muscle insulin resistance is a hallmark of upper body obesity (UBO) and Type 2 diabetes (T2DM). It is unknown whether muscle free fatty acid (FFA) availability or intramyocellular fatty acid trafficking is responsible for muscle insulin resistance, although it has been shown that raising FFA with Intralipid can cause muscle insulin resistance within 4 hours. The investigators do not understand to what extent the incorporation of FFA into ceramides or diacylglycerols (DG) affect insulin signaling and muscle glucose uptake. The investigators propose to alter the profile and concentrations of FFA of healthy, non-obese adults using an overnight, intra-duodenal palm oil infusion vs. an overnight intra-duodenal Intralipid infusion (both compared to saline control). The investigators will compare the muscle FFA storage into intramyocellular triglyceride, intramyocellular fatty acid trafficking, activation of the insulin signaling pathway and glucose disposal rates, providing the first measure of how different FFA profiles alter muscle FFA trafficking and insulin action at the whole body and cellular/molecular levels. By identifying which steps in the insulin signaling pathway are most affected, the investigators will determine the site-specific effect of ceramides and/or DG on different degrees of insulin resistance. Hypothesis 1: Palm oil infusion will result in abnormal FFA trafficking into intra-myocellular ceramides and abnormal insulin signaling. Hypothesis 2: Intralipid infusion will result in abnormal FFA trafficking into intra-myocellular saturated DG and abnormal insulin signaling.
Interventions
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
Intralipid
Half of the participants will receive either naso-duodenal infusion of intralipid or palm oil each participant will serve as their own saline control on the second study day.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT
Palm Oil Emulsion
Half of the participants will receive either naso-duodenal infusion of intralipid or palm oil each participant will serve as their own saline control on the second study day.
OTHER
Saline
All participants will serve as their own controls with a saline infusion study day.
Primary outcome measures
Change in fatty acid enrichment of intramyocellular signaling molecules before and after a euglycemic, hyperinsulinemic clamp
Time frame: 18 hours
The study involves the use of a hyperinsulinemic, euglycemic clamp to compare fatty acid enrichments in intramyocellular signaling molecules. The first half of the study will be the "pre-clamp" stage. During this stage, volunteers will receive an intravenous infusion of C13-labelled palmitate as a tracer in order for enrichment calculations to be performed pre-clamp. One muscle biopsy will be obtained to measure fatty acid enrichment within intramyocellular ceramides, diacylglycerols, long-chain acylcarnitines, and intramyocellular triglycerides. The insulin clamp will then commence, and volunteers will simultaneously receive an intravenous infusion of a second tracer, D-9 palmitate. This tracer will allow us to calculate enrichments during the insulin clamp stage of the study. A second muscle biopsy will be performed at the end of the insulin clamp, and similar enrichment calculations will be performed.
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
- Women and Men (Women premenopausal)
- Weight stable
- Not pregnant/nursing
Exclusion criteria
- Ischemic heart disease
- Atherosclerotic valvular disease
- Smokers (\> 20 cigarettes per week)
- Bilateral oophorectomy
- Concomitant use of medications that can alter serum lipid profile (high dose fish oil, statins, niacin, fibrates, thiazolinediones, beta-blockers, atypical antipsychotics)
- Lidocaine allergy
Where
- Rochester, Minnesota
Collaborators
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Related conditions & keywords
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.
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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.
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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?
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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 Jan 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations