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Study on Fatty Acid Levels and Brain Glucose in Obesity

This study is investigating how elevated fatty acid levels might affect how your brain uses sugar (glucose) and transports it. Researchers want to understand if obesity leads to reduced brain glucose transport. You might be eligible if you are between 18 and 45 years old with normal blood sugar (HbA1C <6.5%) and either a normal weight (BMI 17-25 kg/m²) or obesity (BMI >30 kg/m²). The study will compare the effects of an intravenous (IV) infusion of Intralipid 20% (a fatty emulsion) versus a saline placebo. The main goal is to see how brain glucose transport capacity changes over a period of up to 12 hours. The study is currently unclear on its recruitment status and plans to enroll 40 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study with 40 participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either Intralipid or saline.
What's involved
Participants will receive an intravenous (IV) infusion of either Intralipid 20% or saline for 12 hours.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Brain glucose transport capacity will be measured through the end of the study, up to 12 hours.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT04328337

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

Recruiting
PHASE1Ages 18–45InterventionalBasic science
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
~40 participants
Updated 2025-03-30 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Intralipid, 20% Intravenous EmulsionPlacebos

At a glance

Recruiting sites
2 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Change in brain glucose transport capacity
Measured over Through End of Study (Up to 12 hours)

Conditions

Obesity

Explore related trials

Obesity

Where it's being run

2 sites across 1 states
North Carolina2

Study leadership

  • Janice Jin Hwang, MD, MHS · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Who to contact

Joseph Palmiotto
[email protected]
919-966-9184
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18-45 years
HbA1C \<6.5%
Normal weight individuals: BMI 17-25 kg/m\^2
Obese individuals: BMI \>30 kg/m\^2

Exclusion

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

What this trial measures

  • Change in brain glucose transport capacityThrough End of Study (Up to 12 hours)

    Measurement of brain glucose transport rates using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).