Active clinical trials for "Insulin Resistance"

There is a current debate whether impaired insulin-mediated microvascular perfusion limits the delivery of hormones and nutrients to muscle and whether short term FFA elevation affects transcapillary transport of insulin and glucose thereby representing a rate-controlling step for insulin-stimulated muscular glucose disposal in humans. To address these questions, the investigators determined the changes of interstitial glucose and insulin in skeletal muscle of healthy volunteers during intravenous administration of triglycerides or glycerol under physiologic and supraphysiologic hyperinsulinemic conditions.

It has been shown that intravenous fatty acids given to normal volunteers in the form of heparin and lipid emulsions will cause insulin resistance in a matter of a few hours. It is not known if this same phenomenon can be demonstrated with oral fat. The investigators are specifically interested in whether or not there are differences in the induction of insulin resistance between the 3 main classes of fatty acids (saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated). The investigators also plan to evaluate endothelial dysfunction and blood pressure; both of which frequently accompany insulin resistance.

The investigators are trying to understand the role of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) methylation in insulin resistance in skeletal muscle and blood tissues. DNA methylation is a normal chemical process in the body that modifies DNA. By studying this, the investigators hope to better understand the causes of insulin resistance.

The proposed study builds upon preliminary studies in self-selected populations to identify opportunities for early identification of World Trade Center-related health consequences in adolescents. If adverse health consequences are identified, proactive cardiometabolic and pulmonary screening of exposed children may be indicated, with targeted interventions intended to prevent development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and adverse cardiometabolic outcomes in adulthood.

The purpose of this study is to determine if physical exercise reduces the adverse changes in adipose tissue metabolism and insulin sensitivity that occurs in women during the menopausal transition.

It is well known that the hormone insulin lowers blood glucose in part by acting directly on the liver and reducing hepatic glucose production. Animal studies have shown that the hormone insulin can act on the brain to indirectly lower glucose production by the liver. We aim to test whether this is true in humans by giving insulin intranasally. It has previously been shown that a nasal spray can deliver insulin directly to the brain without affecting circulating insulin concentration.

This study aims to explore time-dependent effects of lipid infusion an intramyocellular lipid metabolites and the induction of impaired insulin signaling.

The goal of this clinical research study is to find out if there is a link between insulin resistance (or pre-diabetes) and endometrial cancer. Primary Objective: 1. To determine the association between insulin resistance and endometrial cancer in women in Harris County, Texas. 2. To assess the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the association between insulin resistance and endometrial cancer. Secondary Objectives: To explore the association between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometrial cancer. To assess the relationship between known reproductive risk factors, menstrual risk factors, family history and endometrial cancer. To explore the molecular changes associated with insulin resistance and PCOS on normal endometrium and tumor tissue.

This study will test the effects of insulin resistance on atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in women who have systemic lupus erythematosus, more commonly known as lupus. Women with lupus have a higher chance of developing atherosclerosis than the general population, and as a result are more susceptible to heart attack and stroke. Insulin resistance is a particular risk factor for atherosclerosis, and recent small studies have shown that insulin resistance is more common in lupus patients than in those without lupus. The study will consist of a series of tests designed to assess whether there is an association between insulin resistance and atherosclerosis in women with lupus. This research may lead to further studies on possible treatments to reduce the risk of heart disease in lupus patients. Volunteers must be women between 30 and 55 years of age who were diagnosed with lupus within five or more years prior to the study. Volunteers who have kidney failure, diabetes, or existing atherosclerosis will be excluded from the study, as will volunteers who have had pulse steroid therapy within four weeks of the testing or who have been pregnant within one year of the testing. Participants will undergo the following procedures on an outpatient basis: Blood and urine tests for research purposes. Electrocardiogram (EKG) to test the general health of the heart. Oral glucose tolerance test to measure blood glucose and insulin levels. This test is commonly used to diagnose diabetes and pre-diabetic insulin resistance. Cardiac multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) to determine the amount of calcium present in coronary arteries. This test is used to diagnose atherosclerosis. Carotid artery ultrasound to show the speed of blood flow through the carotid arteries. This test will show abnormalities and/or blockages in the carotid arteries. Abdominal ultrasound to determine if the participant has hepatic steatosis ( fatty liver ), which is often found in individuals with insulin resistance and diabetes. Carotid artery magnetic resonance imaging/angiogram (MRI/MRA) to measure the thickness of blood vessels. This test is used to diagnose atherosclerosis. Abdominal MRI to estimate abdominal fat. Volunteers may be asked to participate in an MRI/MRA study to evaluate the arteries of the heart. This test is optional and not required by the insulin resistance/atherosclerosis study. The entire series of procedures will require one to three visits to complete.

This study will characterize risk factors associated with breast cancer development in some patients. In particular, it will examine the role of insulin in breast cancer in patients with and without a family history of the disease. Women 30 to 70 years old who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and matched control healthy subjects with and without a family history of breast cancer may be eligible for this study. Participants undergo the following procedures: Cancer-genetic counseling session, including family history, risk assessment, genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 (if criteria is met), interpretation of results and management options Medical history, including questions about symptoms or diseases, reproductive history, use of oral contraceptives, body weight, exercise, lifestyle, and demographic issues Drawing of family tree Examination of medical records Blood drawing for genetic and other tests CT scan of the abdomen (approximate time < 1 minute) Filling out questionnaires