The Effects of Anti-Inflammatory Treatment on Insulin Resistance in Healthy Volunteers

Summary

This study, conducted at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona, will determine whether reducing subclinical inflammation lessens insulin resistance in healthy, obese volunteers. The study findings may lead to new strategies for preventing type 2 diabetes. In diabetes, blood sugar is higher than normal and can result in serious medical problems, such as blindness and kidney failure. People with subclinical inflammation-inflammation that does not produce symptoms, such as fever, pain, or skin redness-are at increased risk for diabetes. Although the reasons for this are not completely understood, it is known that subclinical inflammation exacerbates insulin resistance, which is a cause of diabetes. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar, and when it does not work properly, the condition is known as insulin resistance. Normal, healthy volunteers between 18 and 45 years old with a body mass index of at least 30 kg/m2 and who have subclinical inflammation (determined by blood tests) may be eligible for this study. Candidates must be non-smokers and must not have an alcohol or drug problem. Candidates will be screened with a medical history and physical examination, electrocardiogram, and blood and urine tests. Participants will maintain a standard diet and undergo tests and procedures during a 14-day inpatient stay at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center.

Timeline

Start

2003-03

Primary completion

2008-07

Completion

2008-07

Publications

• Background Vozarova B, Weyer C, Hanson K, Tataranni PA, Bogardus C, Pratley RE. Circulating interleukin-6 in relation to adiposity, insulin action, and insulin secretion. Obes Res. 2001 Jul;9(7):414-7. doi: 10.1038/oby.2001.54.
• Background Pratley RE, Wilson C, Bogardus C. Relation of the white blood cell count to obesity and insulin resistance: effect of race and gender. Obes Res. 1995 Nov;3(6):563-71. doi: 10.1002/j.1550-8528.1995.tb00191.x.
• Background Pickup JC, Crook MA. Is type II diabetes mellitus a disease of the innate immune system? Diabetologia. 1998 Oct;41(10):1241-8. doi: 10.1007/s001250051058.
• Koska J, Ortega E, Bunt JC, Gasser A, Impson J, Hanson RL, Forbes J, de Courten B, Krakoff J. The effect of salsalate on insulin action and glucose tolerance in obese non-diabetic patients: results of a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study. Diabetologia. 2009 Mar;52(3):385-93. doi: 10.1007/s00125-008-1239-x. Epub 2008 Dec 23.

Drugs

Indications