NCT05933707 · Washington University School of Medicine
Small Extracellular Vesicles and Insulin Action
(SEV)
What this study is about
The goals of this research study are to: 1) understand why some people with obesity are protected from developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease while others are more likely to develop obesity-related conditions; 2) assess the effect of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs also called exosomes), obtained from human participants, on metabolic function in cultured cells and in mice.
View original scientific description
The goals of this research study are to: 1) understand why some people with obesity are protected from developing conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease while others are more likely to develop obesity-related conditions; 2) assess the effect of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs also called exosomes), obtained from human participants, on metabolic function in cultured cells and in mice.
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
People with Metabolically Unhealthy Obesity - Low Calorie Diet
Consumption of a low-calorie diet with caloric intake reduced by \~25% to achieve \~10% weight loss in about 4 to 5 months.
Primary outcome measures
Effect of exosomes on insulin sensitivity in cultured cells
Time frame: Baseline only (cross-sectional comparison of metabolically healthy lean, and of people with metabolically healthy or metabolically unhealthy obesity).
Exosomes obtained from the plasma and adipose tissue of metabolically healthy lean participants, and participants with metabolically healthy or metabolically unhealthy obesity will be tested in cultured cells and mice to determine their effect on insulin sensitivity.
Change in the effect of exosomes on insulin sensitivity
Time frame: Before and after ~10% weight loss (~4-5 months) in people with metabolically abnormal obesity
Exosomes obtained from the plasma and adipose tissue of participants with metabolically unhealthy obesity before and after 10% weight loss will be tested in cultured cells and mice to determine their effect on insulin sensitivity.
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
- Metabolically healthy lean subjects must have a BMI ≥18.5 and ≤24.9 kg/m²; Subjects with obesity must have a BMI ≥30.0 and ≤50.0 kg/m²
- Metabolically healthy lean and people with metabolically healthy obesity must have intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content ≤5%; fasting plasma glucose concentration \<100 mg/dl, 2-hr oral glucose tolerance plasma glucose concentration \<140 mg/dl, hemoglobin A 1C (HbA1c) ≤5.6% and HOMA-IR \<2.5.
- People with metabolically unhealthy obesity must have intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) content ≥5.6%; HOMA-IR ≥2.5, and HbA1c 5.7%-6.4%, or fasting plasma glucose concentration ≥100 mg/dl, or 2-hr oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) plasma glucose concentration ≥140 mg/dl.
Exclusion criteria
- History of diabetes, liver disease other than NAFLD or other serious diseases,
- Consume excessive amounts of alcohol (\>21 units/week for men and \>14 units/week for women),
- Take medications that could affect the study outcome measures, engage in regular exercise (\>120 min/week),
- Are pregnant or lactating
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
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.
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 Jul 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations