Study on Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Long COVID
This study is looking into how obesity and insulin resistance (when your body doesn't respond well to insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar) might be connected to Long COVID (PASC: Persistent SARS-CoV-2). Researchers want to see if fat tissue plays a role in Long COVID by causing ongoing inflammation or by holding onto the SARS-CoV-2 virus. You might be able to join if you are between 18 and 80 years old, have a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 25 or higher, and are not pregnant. The study involves procedures like an Adipose Tissue Biopsy (removing a small amount of fat tissue) and a Steady State Plasma Glucose (SSPG) Test (an insulin sensitivity test). The goal is to understand if obesity and insulin resistance are risk factors for Long COVID and to find new ways to treat it.
- Study design
- This is an interventional study with a planned enrollment of 55 participants. The phase of the study is not specified, and its current status is unclear.
- What's involved
- You would undergo an Adipose Tissue Biopsy (a small fat removal) every three months for one year. You would also have a 5-6 hour Steady State Plasma Glucose (SSPG) Test, which requires a 12-hour fast.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- The study measures outcomes like the Triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio, viral RNA in fat tissue, and inflammatory response rate at 2 years.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and PASC: Persistent SARS-CoV-2
At a glance
Conditions
Where it's being run
2 sites across 1 statesStudy leadership
- Tracey McLaughlin, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Stanford School of Medicine
Who to contact
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Do you actually qualify for this trial?
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Inclusion
Exclusion
What this trial measures
- Triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio2 years
Investigate the relationship between insulin resistance, as described by triglyceride/HDL-cholesterol ratio, and incident PASC (long COVID).
- Concentration of Viral RNA in Adipose Tissue2 years
Investigate the expression of viral RNA in adipose tissue in response to COVID-19 infection. Compare adipose tissue transcripts such as known MODY transcription factors measured by PCR between COVID-19 infected participants and healthy controls.
- Rate of Inflammatory Response2 years
Investigate inflammatory response to PPARgamma agonist (drug) and other compounds tested in vitro in human fat cells. Compare plasma inflammatory cytokine levels in serum samples as measured by Luminex immunoassay between participants identified as Insulin Sensitive (IS) and Insulin Resistant (IR) using the 2-stage Steady State Plasma Glucose test.
- Rate of Inflammatory Gene Expression in Adipose Tissue2 years
Investigate the expression of inflammatory genes in adipose tissue in response to COVID-19 infection. Compare adipose tissue transcripts such as defensin chemokine receptors and platelet activation factors measured by PCR between COVID-19 infected participants and healthy controls.