Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 65

Examining differences in fat-derived extracellular vesicles in obese individuals.

Official title: The Adipose Tissue and Sex-specific Role of Adipose-derived Extracellular Vesicles in Obesity-related Skeletal Muscle Insulin Resistance.

Run by Hasselt University · NCT06444646 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study looks at how tiny particles from fat cells in people with obesity differ from those in lean individuals to see how these differences might affect health issues like insulin sensitivity and heart problems.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
Enrollment150 (estimated)
SponsorHasselt University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Genk, Limburg)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 20, 2023
Main results expectedSeptember 2026
Study endsSeptember 2026
Registry record updatedSeptember 15, 2025
Trial IDNCT06444646 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include Caucasian adults with obesity (BMI ≥ 35 kg/m²) scheduled for bariatric surgery, as well as lean Caucasian females (BMI 18-24.9 kg/m²) scheduled for abdominal surgery.

Probably not a fit

Patients with cardiovascular, lung, kidney, brain, or malignant diseases, as well as those who smoke or abuse drugs, may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the differences in extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from adipose tissue in individuals with obesity compared to lean individuals. It focuses on how these differences may relate to factors such as sex, insulin sensitivity, and the function of the blood-brain barrier. The study involves adipose tissue biopsies, blood sampling, and patient phenotyping to analyze the EV profiles from fat and immune cells. By understanding these differences, the research aims to shed light on the mechanisms linking obesity to related metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of obesity's role in metabolic diseases and lead to improved treatment strategies.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on EVs from adipose tissue in this context may be novel, similar studies have shown promising results in understanding obesity-related mechanisms.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Individuals with obesity - Inclusion Criteria:

* Caucasian adults with obesity that have a body mass index (BMI) of at least 35 kg/m\^2 and are scheduled for their first bariatric surgery.
* Final male/female ratio of this study is 1:1
* Minimal knowledge of Dutch to read and understand the informed consent.

Individuals with obesity - Exclusion Criteria:

* Smoking and/or drug abuse
* Cardiovascular diseases (including but not limited to implanted aids like a pacemaker or defibrillator)
* Lung and/or kidney diseases
* Brain and/or nerve diseases
* Malignant diseases (e.g. cancer)

Individuals without obesity (lean) - inclusion criteria

* Caucasian adults with obesity that have a body mass index (BMI) of between 18 and 24.9 kg/m\^2 and are scheduled for abdominal surgery
* Female only
* Minimal knowledge of Dutch to read and understand the informed consent.

Individuals without obesity (lean) - exclusion criteria

* Smoking and/or drug abuse
* Cardiovascular diseases (including but not limited to implanted aids like a pacemaker or defibrillator)
* Lung and/or kidney diseases
* Brain and/or nerve diseases
* Endocrine diseases like type 2 diabetes
* Malignant diseases (e.g. cancer)

Where it's running

  • Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg
    Genk, Limburg, Belgium
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.