Fatty Liver, Insulin Resistance, Obesity
Conditions
Keywords
Non-Alcoholic hepatic steatosis
Brief summary
The purpose of this study is to test the relationship between frequency of meals and hepatic fat content and insulin sensitivity. We, the researchers at Rockefeller University, hypothesize that low plasma insulin levels (as achieved by periods of fasting) will prevent insulin resistance and reduce hepatic lipid content. In contrast, frequent, carbohydrate-rich meals will predispose to hepatic steatosis (non-alcoholic) and insulin resistance. This is a 6 week inpatient study.
Detailed description
The hypothesis will be tested by studying two groups of normal subjects who will receive a defined weight maintenance diet: one group will be given meals twice a day and other group will be given eight meals (snacks) per day. At the beginning of the study period and after 4 weeks following the specified frequency of meals, the study subjects will have their whole body insulin sensitivity and hepatic fat content measured by the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp and MRI of the liver, respectively.
Interventions
OTHERhigh frequency of meals
high carbohydrate diet i.e. 65% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 20% fat for 4 weeks.
OTHERtwice a day meals
high carbohydrate diet i.e. 65% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 20% fat for 4 weeks.
Sponsors
Cornell University
Rockefeller University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
1. Healthy individuals 2. Age between 18-45 years 3. Body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 - 24.9
Exclusion criteria
1. Diabetes mellitus 2. Chronic drug treatment for any medical condition like hypertension or hyperlipidemia, hyperthyroidism or taking weight control medications. 3. Inability to give informed consent. 4. Inability to give contact information including permanent residence or provide evidence of stable living environment for the study period. 5. Active weight reduction of more than 7 pounds in the last 3 months. 6. History of bleeding or blood clotting disorders. 7. Pregnancy or breast-feeding in the women. 8. History of anaphylaxis or anaphylactoid-like reaction as a result of food allergies. 9. HIV or hepatitis B and C positive subjects. 10. Subjects with hemoglobin \< 8.5 gm/dl. 11. Abnormal liver function test (ALT, AST, alkaline phosphate, LDH, GGT or total bilirubin). 12. Serum creatinine or BUN greater than the upper limit of the normal, serum albumin less than 3.5g/dl, or proteinuria 1+ or greater. 13. History of alcohol intake of more than 40 g/day. 14. Contraindications to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including pacemakers, surgical clips, metallic implants, neuromuscular- skeletal stimulators and internal orthopedic screws or rods.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| We will determine total body insulin sensitivity with the help of the hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp. We will also assess hepatic steatosis by conducting MRI scans on our subjects. | days 8,9,11 41 and 42 |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Weight, waist and hip circumference, fasting glucose and insulin, serum ketones, lipids and lipoproteins including VLDL and apolipoprotien B100, liver function tests, serum adiponectin (marker for insulin resistance), and measures of hunger. | days 1-42 |
Countries
United States
Outcome results
None listed