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The Effects of Weight Loss on Neuroadrenergic Function

Not Applicable
Conditions
Obesity
Type 2 Diabetes
Metabolic Syndrome
Interventions
Other: Dietary weight loss at 25% energy deficit
Registration Number
NCT01771042
Lead Sponsor
Baker Heart Research Institute
Brief Summary

Elevated subconscious nervous system activity is a characteristic of the obese state and contributes importantly to the risk of heart disease and diabetes. This project will compare sympathetic nervous system activity and function in a group of obese persons with differing levels of sugar tolerance (normal, impaired and type 2 diabetic). Inter-relationships with insulin action, blood pressure, heart and kidney function will be determined before and after a 4-month weight loss and 3-month weight loss maintenance program.

It is hypothesized that the transition from normal sugar tolerance to impaired sugar tolerance to type 2 diabetes will be accompanied by escalating sympathetic nervous system dysfunction. Furthermore, that weight loss will favorably improve sympathetic function, with greatest benefits occurring in those subjects who are insulin resistant with high blood insulin concentration.

Detailed Description

The twin epidemics of obesity and diabetes represent a major public health problem worldwide. There is a growing body of evidence to suggest that autonomic dysfunction, comprising elevated sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity and blunted sympathetic neural responsiveness plays a role in both the pathogenesis and target organ complications of obesity and diabetes. The proposed project will undertake a detailed comparative analysis of neuroadrenergic function along the diabetes continuum, its inter-relationship with insulin sensitivity and secretion, and target organ function, and the benefits of active weight loss and weight loss maintenance within different strata of metabolic risk.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
UNKNOWN
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
120
Inclusion Criteria

Men and postmenopausal women (n=120), untreated, weight-stable, non-smoking, aged 45-65 years, BMI 27-45 kg/m2, will be recruited. Glucose tolerance status will be determined by a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), using WHO criteria (53): normal glucose tolerance, fasting plasma glucose < 7.0 mmol/L and 2-h plasma glucose < 7.8 mmol/L; IGT, fasting plasma glucose < 7.0 mmol/L and 2-h plasma glucose > 7.8 and < 11.1 mmol/L; T2D, fasting plasma glucose > 7.0 mmol/L or 2-h plasma glucose > 11.1 mmol/L. Hyper-insulinemia will be defined as an insulin area under the curve during OGTT > 8000 mU/L ∙ min-1 and hypo-insulinemia as < 8000 mU/L ∙ min-1.

Exclusion Criteria

Prior history of cardiovascular disease (previous myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, heart failure, secondary hypertension), renal (serum creatinine >0.12 mmol/L or estimated GFR <60 ml/min/1.73 m2) or hepatic disease or diseases which may affect measured parameters (e.g. thyroid disease); severe hypertension; a history of surgical weight loss; CPAP therapy; and >4 alcoholic drinks/day. T2D individuals with moderate hyperglycemia (HbA1c >9%) will be excluded so that hypoglycaemic pharmacotherapy may be instituted (54). Participants will be sought through newspaper advertising and poster displays in primary health care centres (General Practices). Newly diagnosed T2D subjects

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Normal glucose tolerantDietary weight loss at 25% energy deficitWeight loss attained by 25% caloric restriction. This arm will be both a glycemic and time control. Initially they will undergo a 4-month weight maintenance phase (acting as time control), followed by 4 month weight loss.
Impaired glucose tolerantDietary weight loss at 25% energy deficitWeight loss using 25% caloric restriction. Impaired glucose tolerant subjects will undergo 4 months weight loss (25% caloric deficit) followed by 3 months weight loss maintenance
Type 2 diabetic hyperinsulinemicDietary weight loss at 25% energy deficitWeight loss using 25% caloric restriction. This group will undergo 4 months weight loss (25% caloric deficit) followed by 3 months weight loss maintenance
Type 2 diabetic hypoinsulinemicDietary weight loss at 25% energy deficitWeight loss via 25% caloric restriction. This group will undergo 4 months weight loss (25% caloric deficit) followed by 3 months weight loss maintenance
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in whole-body norepinephrine kinetics4 months and 7 months

The study will examine the dynamic processes of norepinephrine spillover into and removal from the central plasma compartment using the isotope dilution technique.Measurements will be made at baseline, after 4 months active weight loss, and again after 3 months weight loss maintenance. The weight loss maintenance phase will permit differentiation of the effects of active weight loss (incorporating both negative energy balance and weight loss per se) and stable lower body weight on sympathetic neural parameters.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Change in muscle sympathetic nerve activity4 months and 7 months

Muscle sympathetic nerve firing will be quantified by the technique of mirconeurography at baseline and after 4 months active weight loss and 3 months weight loss maintenance. The weight loss maintenance phase will permit differentiation of the effects of active weight loss (incorporating both negative energy balance and weight loss per se) and stable lower body weight on sympathetic nerve firing and pattern.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Baker IDI Heart & Diabetes Institute

🇦🇺

Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

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