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LEAP2 on Postprandial Glucose Metabolism and Food Intake

Early Phase 1
Completed
Conditions
Obesity
Interventions
Biological: Liver-enriched antimicrobial peptide 2
Biological: Placebo
Registration Number
NCT04621409
Lead Sponsor
University Hospital, Gentofte, Copenhagen
Brief Summary

The study aim to delineate the effects of the naturally occurring peptide liver-enriched antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2) on postprandial glucose metabolism and food intake in healthy volunteers. The overall objective is to investigate the physiological importance of LEAP-2 in healthy subjects.

Detailed Description

In a recent study, the molecular phenotype of enteroendocrine cells in the small intestine before and after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery in obese individuals was examined. Enteroendocrine cells were identified and isolated from intestinal biopsies and analysed for differentially expressed genes by Illumina High Throughput RNA-sequencing. It was discovered that the gene encoding liver-enriched antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2), a naturally occurring peptide in humans, was significantly upregulated compared to baseline expression. Interestingly, LEAP-2 was recently shown to antagonize ghrelin function in response to feeding in mice. Moreover, the mature murine LEAP-2 peptide is identical in mice and humans. Thus, LEAP-2 has been identified as an endogenous peptide that may be able to alter feeding behaviour and maintenance of glucose levels during calorie restriction.

The study hypothesis is that LEAP-2 alters postprandial glucose metabolism and decreases appetite as well as food intake in relation to a liquid mixed meal and a standardised ad libitum meal compared with saline (placebo) in healthy subjects.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
Male
Target Recruitment
20
Inclusion Criteria
  • Caucasian men
  • Age between 18 and 25 years
  • Body mass index between 20-35 kg/m2
  • Informed consent
Exclusion Criteria
  • Anaemia (haemoglobin below normal range)
  • Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) >2 times normal values) or history of hepatobiliary and/or gastrointestinal disorder(s)
  • Nephropathy (serum creatinine above normal range and/or albuminuria)
  • Allergy or intolerance to ingredients included in the standardised meals
  • First-degree relatives with diabetes and/or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) >48 mmol/mol
  • Regular tobacco smoking or use of other nicotine-containing products
  • Any ongoing medication that the investigator evaluates would interfere with trial participation.
  • Any physical or psychological condition that the investigator evaluates would interfere with trial participation including any acute or chronic illnesses

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
CROSSOVER
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
liver-enriched antimicrobial peptide 2Liver-enriched antimicrobial peptide 2IV infusion of LEAP2, approximately 5 hours
PlaceboPlaceboIV infusion of saline, approximately 5 hours
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Food intake260 to 290 minutes

Difference in food intake during an ad libitum meal. Food intake is examined as kilojoules (kJ) and kJ/kg body weight of food eaten during the ad libitum meal.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
VAS-30 to 290 minutes

Visual analogue scales (VASs) assessing appetite, satiety and hunger sensations (from 0 to 10 cm on a scale = from mimimum to maximum sensation)

Alterations in gastric emptying-30 to 290 minutes

Paracetamol concentration in plasma after intake of 1.5 g paracetamol

Changes in resting energy expenditure (REE)-30 to 290 minutes

Changes in resting energy expenditure (REE) measured by indirect calorimetry

Plasma insulin levels and beta cell secretion assessed by plasma C-peptide concentration relative to plasma glucose concentration-30 to 290 minutes

Plasma insulin levels and beta cell secretion assessed by plasma C-peptide concentration relative to plasma glucose concentration

Plasma/serum concentrations of LEAP-2, acyl-ghrelin as well as other glucose- and appetite-regulating gut hormones-30 to 290 minutes

Plasma/serum concentrations of LEAP-2, acyl-ghrelin as well as other glucose- and appetite-regulating gut hormones

Assessment of nitrogen balance and protein breakdown in urine-30 to 290 minutes

Urine concentrations of urea for assessment of nitrogen balance and protein breakdown

Triglyceride responses-30 to 290 minutes

Plasma triglyceride

Cholesterol responses-30 to 290 minutes

Plasma cholesterol

Free fatty acid responses-30 to 290 minutes

Plasma free fatty acid

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Center for Clinical Metabolic Research

🇩🇰

Hellerup, Denmark

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