Understanding how mitochondrial stress affects obesity resistance

Energy Balance and Mitochondrial Function in Human Genetic Models of Mitochondrial Stress-mediated Obesity Resistance

Observational Rigshospitalet, Denmark · NCT06080568

This study is trying to see how mitochondrial stress affects weight and energy balance in people with mitochondrial DNA mutations compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRigshospitalet, Denmark Academic / other
Locations1 site (Copenhagen)
Trial IDNCT06080568 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between mitochondrial stress and energy balance in individuals with mitochondrial DNA mutations compared to healthy controls. Participants will undergo assessments of energy expenditure, appetite sensation, and energy intake, along with muscle and adipose tissue biopsies. The study design is a case-control format, involving 15 individuals with mitochondrial mutations and 15 matched healthy controls. The goal is to uncover the cellular mechanisms that may confer protection against obesity in those with mitochondrial disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with known pathogenic mitochondrial DNA mutations.

Not a fit: Patients with severe heart disease, dysregulated thyroid conditions, or those currently pregnant may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into new strategies for preventing obesity in individuals with mitochondrial dysfunction.

How similar studies have performed: While there is emerging evidence from pre-clinical models, this specific approach in humans is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Eligibility criteria for individuals with mitochondrial DNA mutations

Inclusion criteria:

- 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.
Conditions Mitochondrial DiseasesMitochondrial MyopathiesMitochondrial DisorderEnergy balanceEnergy expenditureAppetiteEnergy intakeMitochondrial dysfunction
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.