Investigating fat cell behavior in women with lipedema
A Novel Approach to Examine the Adipose Cellular Kinetics of Lipedema
This study is testing how fat cells behave in women with lipedema to better understand the condition and help find new treatment options.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 24 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 45 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Pennington Biomedical Research Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Baton Rouge, Louisiana) |
| Trial ID | NCT05394467 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the biological mechanisms underlying lipedema, a condition characterized by abnormal fat deposition and pain. By utilizing a metabolic labeling approach with deuterated water, the study will measure in vivo adipocyte formation and triglyceride synthesis in the adipose tissue of women diagnosed with lipedema. The research seeks to uncover novel characteristics of adipose remodeling that may contribute to the pathogenesis of this condition, which is often misdiagnosed as obesity. The findings could provide valuable insights into the biology of lipedema and inform future treatment strategies.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women with a clinical diagnosis of lipedema, particularly those with a BMI of 50 kg/m2 or less and a waist/hip ratio of less than 0.86.
Not a fit: Patients with major organ diseases, chronic use of certain medications, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a better understanding of lipedema and improved diagnostic and treatment options for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on lipedema, the use of metabolic labeling to study adipose tissue dynamics is a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in this context.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * BMI ≤50 kg/m2 * Waist/hip ratio \<0.86 (standing position) * Clinical diagnosis of lipedema (mostly Stage 3 but Stage 2 will not be excluded) * Willing to drink deuterated water (2H2O) Exclusion Criteria: * Have major organ disease (heart, kidney, lung, thyroid, liver) or abnormal liver enzymes that represent a problem for study inclusion * Chronic use of systemic glucocorticoids, atypical anti-psychotic medications, or medications that cause clinically significant changes in weight * Pregnancy or breastfeeding in the next 3 months * Partial and/or full hysterectomy (due to estrogen effects on adipogenesis) * PCOS * Self-reported positive test for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C * Smoking or use of tobacco products in the last 6 months * Any medical, psychiatric or behavioral factors that may interfere with study participation
Where this trial is running
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center — Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ursula White, PhD
- Email: ursula.white@pbrc.edu
- Phone: 2257632656
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.