How dietary fructose affects fat tissue function and metabolism
Official title: Exploring the mechanisms by which dietary fructose primarily impairs white adipose, not hepatic, function: insights from a novel ketohexokinase antisense oligonucleotide
Funded at VA Connecticut Healthcare System · NIH-10951536 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how eating moderate amounts of fructose affects fat tissue and insulin sensitivity, which is important for people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease, by using special techniques in animal models to see how different levels of fructose in the diet can impact overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Connecticut Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Haven, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005790-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10951536 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes or those at risk due to high fructose consumption.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not consume fructose or have no metabolic disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how moderate consumption of dietary fructose impacts the function of fat tissue, particularly in relation to insulin sensitivity and metabolism. By using a novel antisense oligonucleotide to inhibit the enzyme ketohexokinase (KHK), the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind fructose metabolism and its effects on adipose tissue. The research involves animal models to explore how different diets with varying fructose levels influence metabolic health, particularly in conditions like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve metabolic health and insulin sensitivity in patients consuming fructose.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding fructose metabolism and its implications for metabolic health, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Samuel, Varman T — VA Connecticut Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Samuel, Varman T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Effects of ADT on motivation and emotion in prostate cancer patients
This project looks at how androgen deprivation therapy may affect motivation and mood over time in men with prostate cancer.
-
Written Exposure Therapy for Veterans with PTSD and Substance Use Disorder (brief trauma treatment)
A brief trauma-focused therapy called Written Exposure Therapy is being studied to help veterans who have both PTSD and substance use disorders.
-
VA legal aid to prevent evictions and homelessness among veterans
This project compares adding legal help into VA clinics versus usual care to help veterans facing eviction keep their homes and improve wellbeing.
-
Mobile health support to help Veterans with substance use disorders function better after treatment
A smartphone app, based on Motivational Enhancement Therapy, is being developed to help Veterans stay on track and function better after leaving residential substance use treatment.
-
Smoking cessation program for Veterans with chronic pain using interactive voice/phone support
A randomized trial tests whether an integrated pain-and-smoking cessation program delivered to Veterans with chronic pain helps people quit smoking better than standard quitting methods.
-
Impact of psychosocial risks on cancer surgery outcomes in veterans
This grant explores how social and mental health factors around the time of major cancer surgery affect post-surgical complications in veterans.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.