Measuring Protein Turnover in Healthy Adults
This study aims to understand how proteins, which are vital for healthy cells, are replaced over time. This process is called "protein turnover." Researchers want to see how aging, different body tissues, and sex affect how quickly proteins are replaced. You might be able to join if you are a healthy adult, aged 20 or older, with a body mass index (BMI) between 20 and 30. The main goal is to measure protein turnover in different parts of the body, across various ages and sexes. The study's current status is unclear.
- Study design
- This is an observational study planning to enroll 75 healthy volunteers. It is not specified if there are different groups or if participants will know what they are receiving.
- What's involved
- You would have 6 study visits over 4 to 6 weeks. Before each visit, you would need to fast for 12 hours. You will have a physical exam, blood and urine tests, and heart function tests.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Protein turnover will be measured at 21 days.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
NCT06269653
Measuring Protein Turnover in Humans Across the Lifespan by Metabolic Labeling With Deuterium Oxide
Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 20+ObservationalNational Institute on Aging (NIA)Government-funded
~75 participants
Updated 2026-03-20 on ClinicalTrials.gov
At a glance
Recruiting sites
1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Measure the turnover proteins in humans across tissues, age, and sex.
Measured over 21 days
Conditions
Where it's being run
1 sites across 1 statesMaryland1
Study leadership
- Luigi Ferrucci, M.D. · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Who to contact
Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.
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.
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion
Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
Male or female, age \>= 20years.
BMI \>20 and \<30.
In good general health as evidenced by medical history/exam/laboratory.
IL6\< 3.5 pg/mL.
Ankle Brachial Index (ABI) \> 0.9.
No history of increased bleeding due to either a known medical condition or an undiagnosed cause.
Does not currently smoke/tobacco use.
Eligible for muscle biopsy procedures.
Is not allergic to lidocaine or other local anesthetics.
Able to speak and read English.
Ability of subject to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion
Routinely taking (more than 2x/week) non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) and unwilling to stop taking them for the duration of the study.
Taking medications that could increase the chance of bleeding such as anticoagulants/antiplatelet such as Coumadin, Plavix, and Heparin. Low dose (81mg) aspirin use is okay.
Is unable to reach down to perform wound care of the lower legs.
Has laboratory evidence of diabetes at screening (fasting glucose \>= 126) and/or diabetes requiring treatment, or treatment with any glucose lowering drug(s).
Has current or history of inflammatory and/or autoimmune diseases.
History of keloid formation.
Researchers are unable to access biopsy sites due to conditions such as wounds, rashes, or large deposits of adipose tissue.
Is on treatment with an investigational drug or other intervention within 8 weeks of enrollment.
Has any chronic disease that the study PI considers as a significant comorbidity that affects health and life expectancy.
Has established genetic diseases such as sickle cell, hemochromatosis (iron overload), cystic fibrosis or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (connective tissue disorder).
Has autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto s thyroiditis, Myasthenia Gravis, or Rheumatoid arthritis.
Has severe mobility disability as evidenced by inability to walk without aids, perform activities of daily living and to reach down to lower legs to perform wound care.
Has had active cancer on treatment in the last 10 years.
Has muscle-skeletal conditions due to diseases or traumas (that cause pathological weakness and/or chronic pain).
Has any medical condition that requires absolute and continuous need for long term treatment with antibiotics, corticosteroids, immunosuppressors, or pain medications.
Has important sensory deficits such as legally blind.
Is currently pregnant or a nursing mother.
Has history of, or laboratory evidence of HIV, Hepatitis B or C at Screening.
Has laboratory evidence of Platelets \< 100,000 or \>600,000 k/microliter.
Has a positive urine drug screen unless taking prescribed medication and at the discretion of the PI.
Has a current illness that as judged by the study physician substantially increases the risks associated with performing a biopsy procedure.
Has a history of an active bleeding disorder such as haemophilia or Von Willebrand disease.
Is claustrophobic and/or is not eligible to perform MRI as per the MRI eligibility form.
Has a hip or knee replacement or other medical conditions that prevents MRI research scans from being performed.
Has a diagnosis of cognitive impairment that clearly prevents the participant from providing informed consent.
Has a history of, or evidence of heart disease including unstable angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, cerebrovascular diseases, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled cardiac arrythmias, moderate to severe valvular disease.
Has a history or has chronic liver disease as evidenced by medical history or ALT, AST, or alkaline phosphatase twice the normal serum concentration.
Drinks more than three drinks of alcohol per day on average.
Has a history of, or evidence of chronic kidney disease or serum creatinine \>1.1 mg/dL.
What this trial measures
- Measure the turnover proteins in humans across tissues, age, and sex.21 days
No data is available on proteins half-life that compare different tissues in humans; and this information would be important to interpret proteomic data. Comprehensively profile the turnover rates and half-lives of different proteins in human skeletal muscle.