Understanding how galectin-1 affects obesity and diabetes

Mechanistic Studies in Human Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue

Observational Vastra Gotaland Region · NCT06065930

This study looks at how a protein called galectin-1 affects fat tissue in people with obesity and diabetes to see if it helps explain why some people can keep their blood sugar levels normal despite being overweight.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment45 (estimated)
Ages40 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorVastra Gotaland Region Government
Locations1 site (Gothenburg, Region Vastra Gotaland)
Trial IDNCT06065930 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the role of galectin-1 in adaptive mechanisms within adipose tissue among obese insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant individuals compared to lean healthy controls. The research will involve subcutaneous microdialysis to analyze the secretion of molecules from adipose tissue that may influence insulin secretion when blood glucose levels are normal. By examining these mechanisms, the study seeks to uncover how certain individuals maintain normal fatty acid levels despite obesity, potentially leading to new insights into diabetes management.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are men and women aged 40 to 70 with specific BMI ranges and insulin levels, including both obese insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant individuals.

Not a fit: Patients who are lean with a first-degree relative having type 2 diabetes or those with a history of high alcohol intake may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide new strategies for managing obesity and type 2 diabetes by targeting galectin-1 and its effects on insulin sensitivity.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of studying galectin-1 in this context may be novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the mechanisms of obesity and diabetes.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Men and women of age: 40.0 - 70.0 years
2. BMI: 18.0 - 25.0 kg/m2 (lean subjects) and BMI 30.0 - 38.0 kg/m2 (Ob-IS and Ob-IR)
3. Fasting insulin \< 9.0 mU/l (lean and Ob-IS subjects) and fasting insulin \> 9.0 mU/l (Ob-IR)
4. Fasting glucose \< 6.1 mmol/l
5. Body temperature \< 37.5°C
6. First-degree relative with known T2D in Ob-IR
7. Weight stable ± 5 kg \< 3 months before screening
8. Fluent in Swedish and can follow given instructions
9. Consent given to participate

   Exclusion Criteria:
10. First-degree relative with known T2D in lean or Ob-IS subjects
11. Alcohol intake \> 10 units/week or known high alcohol intake \< 10 years back in time
12. Daily use of cigarettes or daily frequent use of smokeless tobacco not enabling the participant to suspend nicotine during a visit at the research center without getting abstinent
13. Regular physical activity corresponding to Saltin-Gimby level 4
14. Special diet eg Atkins or 5:2 for weight reduction. Vegetarian food accepted if duration \> 1 year
15. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (venous fasting plasma glucose 6.1-6.9 mmol/l)
16. Type 2 diabetes according to ADA criteria
17. Ongoing or previous ischemic heart disease, eg angina pectoris, unstable angina or previous myocardial infarction treated with platelet inhibitors or non vitamin-K oral anticoagulants
18. Heart failure (NYHA II-IV) or cardiac arrhytmia that needs medical treatment
19. Previous cerebral infarction or transitory ischemic episodes (TIA) treated with platelet inhibitors or other anticoagulants
20. Peripheral arterial insufficiency eg claudication
21. Hypertension \>170/105 mmHg at screening or more than one class of drugs for treatment of known hypertension
22. Lipid disorder defined as fasting serum triglycerides \> 5.0 mmol/l or serum cholesterol \> 7.5 mmol/l
23. Hematologic diseases such as anemia not being substituted (Hb \< 130 g/l in males and Hv \< 120 g/l in females) or disease causing bleeding disorder
24. Renal failure defined as absolute estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFRcreatinine) \< 60 ml/min/1.73 m2
25. Hypothyroidism defined as TSH \> 4.0 mIE/l and symptoms
26. Liver disease e.g. hepatitis B, cirrhosis or conditions where AST or ALT are \> 2 times UNL
27. Systemic inflammatory disease e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative cholitis or Chrons disease. Celiac disease, dyspepsia or IBS are excepted
28. Chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary with disease symptoms
29. Previous pancreatitis or other disease in pancreas that needs treatment
30. Migraine elicited by stress
31. Spinal insufficiency causing inconvenience lying in supine position during the study day
32. Drug addiction interfering with the study procedures
33. Psychiatric insufficiency interfering with the study procedures
34. Medication with potential to affect adipose tissue metabolism that can not be stopped 10 days before the study days
35. Treatment with beta-blockers
36. Less than three months from previous use of antibiotics
37. Cancer disease \< 5 years since diagnosis
38. Physical examination or laboratory results indicating that participation in the study is inappropriate
39. Pregnancy or intention to be pregnant during the study
40. Shift work \> 1 time per week that might interfere with the circadian rhytm
41. Other reasons that causes the PI to believe that participation is inappropriate

Where this trial is running

Gothenburg, Region Vastra Gotaland

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 ObesityType 2 DiabetesAdipose cellsFatty acidsMicrodialysisStromal vascular fractionEctopic lipid accumulationFasting hyperinsulinemia
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.