RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Deep Phenotyping of Peripheral Blood Cells and Circulating Factors in Metabolic Diseases

This study aims to understand the differences in blood cells and other substances like proteins, fats, and tiny particles, between people with common conditions like obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and healthy adults. These conditions often share similar underlying causes. Researchers will meticulously examine these differences to learn more about how these diseases affect the body at a very detailed level. By comparing people with different stages of these conditions to healthy individuals, they hope to uncover clues about how these diseases develop and progress. This could help doctors better understand, and potentially treat, these widespread health issues in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Technische Universität Dresden

Enrolment target

180

Start

16 Oct 2023

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

NAFLD Diabetes Mellitus Obesity

What is this study about?

This study, called "Deep Phenotyping of Peripheral Blood Cells and Circulating Factors in Metabolic Diseases," is looking into obesity, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These are very common health problems that often happen together and can be linked to similar issues in the body. The main goal is to get a really detailed picture of what's going on in the blood of people with these conditions.

Researchers will be carefully examining various things in the blood, such as different types of blood cells (like platelets and white blood cells), as well as other substances that travel around the body, including proteins, fats, and tiny packages of information called extracellular vesicles. They want to see how these elements differ in people with obesity, diabetes, or NAFLD compared to healthy individuals, and also how they might change at different stages of these conditions.

By comparing these detailed blood profiles, the study hopes to find important clues about how these diseases start and progress. This knowledge could eventually help doctors understand these conditions better, leading to new ways to diagnose, prevent, or treat them in the future. It's like gathering pieces of a puzzle to understand the bigger picture of metabolic health.

Key takeaways

This study investigates obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
It aims to understand differences in blood cells and other substances.
Healthy volunteers are also needed for comparison.
Participation involves various blood tests and liver scans.
The goal is to improve future understanding and treatment of these conditions.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. People will be invited to participate if they have conditions such as a higher risk of liver scarring (fibrosis), fatty liver disease, pre-diabetes, or diabetes. The study will also include healthy volunteers to compare against.

There are also specific reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you have type 1 diabetes, a very low body weight, or certain other severe liver diseases (not related to NAFLD). Also, recent blood transfusions, certain medications that affect blood sugar, blood clotting, or your immune system, pregnancy, or breastfeeding would mean you couldn't participate. The aim is to ensure the study focuses on a specific group of people so the results are clear and accurate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of obesity, diabetes, pre-diabetes, or fatty liver disease, or a high risk of liver scarring?
Do you NOT have Type 1 diabetes or a very low body weight?
Have you NOT had a blood transfusion in the last six months?
Are you NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you NOT taking medications that significantly affect blood sugar (other than for diabetes if you are in the diabetes group), blood clotting, or your immune system?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve several detailed health checks. These include an oral glucose tolerance test, where you'll drink a sugary drink and have your blood sugar levels measured over time. You'll also have various scans of your liver, including a liver ultrasound and a Fibroscan (a special ultrasound that checks for liver stiffness and fat). A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of your liver might also be part of the process, which uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed images. The overall duration of your participation will depend on the specific tests, but these are generally one-off assessments designed to gather detailed information.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in research studies like this helps advance scientific understanding of diseases, potentially leading to better treatments for everyone in the future. While there's no direct personal health benefit from this specific study, the detailed health checks you receive could offer insights into your current health status. As with any medical procedure, there are minor risks associated with blood tests or scans, such as slight discomfort or bruising. However, all procedures are standard and generally safe. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Study Center for Metabolic Diseases
Verified postcode
Dresden, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'deep phenotyping'?

It means taking a very detailed look at your body, especially your blood, to understand all the tiny differences in cells and other substances.

What are 'metabolic diseases'?

These are conditions that affect how your body uses energy, like obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Will I get results from my tests?

The study aims to gather information for research. Any test results that might be important for your health will be shared with you and your doctor.

Is this study offering a new treatment?

No, this is an 'observational' study, meaning researchers are just watching and collecting information, not testing new medications or treatments.

How long will I need to be involved?

The study involves a series of assessments to gather information about your health at one point in time. It is not a long-term follow-up study.

How to find out more

Nikolaos Perakakis, MD

nikolaos.perakakis@ukdd.de +4935145813651 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.