Examining how interleukin-6 affects glucagon's role in amino acid regulation

Interplay Between Interleukin-6 and Glucagon in the Regulation of Human Amino Acid and Protein Homeostasis

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06721910

This study is testing how a substance called interleukin-6 affects the hormone glucagon's ability to manage amino acids in the body, using healthy volunteers.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment26 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Drugs / interventionstocilizumab
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT06721910 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This proof-of-concept study investigates the interaction between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and glucagon in healthy volunteers. Participants will receive either a saline infusion or an IL-6 receptor blocker, followed by hormone and amino acid infusions to simulate fasting and fed states. Blood samples will be collected to assess how IL-6 influences glucagon's ability to lower blood amino acid concentrations. The study aims to clarify the role of IL-6 in protein and amino acid homeostasis.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18 to 50 with a stable body weight and a BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/m2.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic conditions, unstable body weight, or those currently taking medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance our understanding of amino acid regulation, potentially leading to improved treatments for conditions related to glucagon resistance.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific interplay of IL-6 and glucagon is less explored, similar studies on cytokines and metabolic regulation have shown promising results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Age 18 to 50 years
* BMI 18.5 - 25 kg/m2
* Stable body weight in the past 6 months before study initiation
* Women should be anovulatory on non-cyclic hormone replacement or hormonal contraception

Exclusion criteria:

* Previous medical history for any chronic condition in the last three months, active disease or abnormal physical examination as verified by a qualified physician
* Body weight unstable in the past 6 months
* Use of tobacco/nicotine
* Alcohol consumption \>30g/day
* Participation in an investigational drug trial within the past two months
* Current intake of any drugs (prescribed, over the counter or recreational)
* Known allergy to tocilizumab
* Pregnant or lactating women,
* Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent

Where this trial is running

Basel

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 HealthyGlucagon ResistanceAmino Acid Changeinterleukin-6gluagonpancreatic clamp
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.