Effects of angiotensin-(1-7) on metabolism in obese individuals

Metabolic Effects of Angiotensin-(1-7)

Phase 1 Interventional Vanderbilt University Medical Center · NCT02646475

This study is testing if a substance called angiotensin-(1-7) can help improve metabolism and insulin sensitivity in people who are obese and have insulin resistance.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment26 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexAll
SponsorVanderbilt University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT02646475 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the metabolic effects of angiotensin-(1-7) in individuals with obesity and insulin resistance. Participants will undergo two outpatient visits where they will receive either an intravenous infusion of angiotensin-(1-7) or saline. The study aims to measure changes in insulin sensitivity, blood pressure, and related hormonal responses using hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp methods and other assessments. The goal is to determine if angiotensin-(1-7) can improve metabolic function in this population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-60 with obesity (BMI 30-40 kg/m2) and insulin resistance.

Not a fit: Patients with type I or type II diabetes, morbid obesity, or significant cardiovascular disease may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to new treatments for obesity and insulin resistance, potentially improving metabolic health.

How similar studies have performed: While the effects of angiotensin-(1-7) have been studied in animal models, this approach in humans is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Males and females of all races between 18 and 60 years of age
* Obesity defined as body mass index between 30-40 kg/m2
* Insulin resistance defined as homeostasis model assessment 2 insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR) score \>2.2
* Hypertension defined by two or more properly measured seated blood pressure readings \>130/85 mmHg, or by use of anti-hypertensive medications. This blood pressure cutoff will allow us to include subjects with pre-hypertension.
* Able and willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy or breast-feeding
* Current smokers or history of heavy smoking (\>2 packs/day)
* History of alcohol or drug abuse
* Morbid obesity (BMI \> 40 kg/m2)
* Previous allergic reaction to study medications
* Evidence of type I or type II diabetes (i.e. fasting glucose \>126 mg/dl, use of anti-diabetic medications)
* Cardiovascular disease other than hypertension such as myocardial infarction within 6 months prior to enrollment, presence of angina pectoris, significant arrhythmia, congestive heart failure (LV hypertrophy acceptable), deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, second or third degree heart block, mitral valve stenosis, aortic stenosis, or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
* History of serious cerebrovascular disease such as cerebral hemorrhage, stroke, or transient ischemic attack
* History or presence of immunological or hematological disorders
* Impaired hepatic function \[aspartate amino transaminase (AST) and/or alanine amino transaminase (ALT) \> 2.0 x upper limit of normal range\]
* Impaired renal function (serum creatinine \>1.5 mg/dl)
* Anemia (hemoglobin \<13.5 g/dl in males or \<12.5 g/dl in females)
* Treatment with serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) or norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibitors
* Treatment with phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors
* Treatment with anticoagulants
* Treatment with chronic systemic glucocorticoid therapy (more than 7 consecutive days in 1 month)
* Treatment with any investigational drug in the 1 month preceding the study
* Inability to give, or withdraw, informed consent
* Other factors which in the investigator's opinion would prevent the subject from completing the protocol (i.e., clinically significant abnormalities on clinical, mental examination or laboratory testing or inability to comply with protocol)

Where this trial is running

Nashville, Tennessee

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions ObesityInsulin ResistanceHypertensionMetabolic Cardiovascular Syndromerenin-angiotensin systemangiotensininsulin resistanceblood pressure
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.