Understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction affects insulin resistance

Mitochondrial Derangements Driving Muscle Insulin Resistance in Humans

Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT06080581

This study looks at how problems with tiny energy factories in muscles, caused by certain genetic mutations, affect insulin resistance in people compared to those without these mutations.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark (other)
Locations1 site (Copenhagen)
Trial IDNCT06080581 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to characterize muscle mitochondrial defects in individuals with pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations linked to insulin resistance. It employs a case-control design, comparing affected individuals to matched controls based on sex, age, and physical activity. Participants will undergo an oral glucose tolerance test, a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp, and muscle biopsy sampling to assess mitochondrial function and its relationship to insulin action. The study seeks to clarify the role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of insulin resistance and its implications for metabolic diseases.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with known pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations, particularly the m.3243A>G mutation.

Not a fit: Patients without mitochondrial DNA mutations or those with conditions affecting insulin action may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for insulin resistance in patients with mitochondrial disorders.

How similar studies have performed: While mitochondrial dysfunction has been studied in relation to insulin resistance, this specific approach focusing on genetic mutations is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility criteria for individuals with pathogenic mtDNA mutations

Inclusion criteria:

* Known m.3243A\>G mutation in the MT-TL1 gene encoding the mitochondrial leucyl-tRNA 1 gene
* Other known mtDNA point mutations

Exclusion criteria:

* Use of antiarrhythmic medications or other medications which, in the opinion of the investigators, have the potential to affect outcome measures.
* Diagnosed severe heart disease, dysregulated thyroid gland conditions, or other dysregulated endocrinopathies, or other conditions which, in the opinion of the investigators, have the potential to affect outcome measures.
* Pregnancy

Eligibility criteria for controls

Exclusion criteria:

* Current and regular use of antidiabetic medications or other medications which, in the opinion of the investigators, have the potential to affect outcome measures.
* Diagnosed heart disease, symptomatic asthma, liver cirrhosis or -failure, chronic kidney disease, dysregulated thyroid gland conditions or other dysregulated endocrinopathies, or other conditions which, in the opinion of the investigators, have the potential to affect outcome measures
* Daily use of tobacco products
* Excessive alcohol consumption
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Copenhagen

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Mitochondrial Myopathies, Mitochondrial Diseases, Mitochondrial Disorders, Mitochondrial disease, Muscle metabolism, Insulin resistance

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.