Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and PASC: Persistent SARS-CoV-2

Summary

The investigators are studying the pathophysiologic links between obesity, insulin resistance (IR), adipose tissue infection, and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). This study looks at whether adipose (fat) tissue contributes to PASC by driving chronic inflammation or by serving as a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 persistence. The results will not only determine whether obesity and IR are risk factors for PASC, but will also define fundamental biology that sets the stage for the investigation of novel or existing therapies that target the causal pathways identified.

Conditions

• Long COVID
• Insulin Resistance
• Insulin Sensitivity

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Adipose Tissue Biopsy

After an overnight fast, approximately 1-2 grams of subcutaneous fat will be removed by a needle. Participants will have a local anesthetic prior to the procedure. The needle fat biopsy will be repeated at quarterly intervals for one year (every 3 months). We will also draw 1 10mL tube of blood at each biopsy for measurement of inflammatory cytokines.

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Steady State Plasma Glucose (SSPG) Test

An Insulin Sensitivity Test (SSPG: Steady State Plasma Glucose) is performed to determine if participants are insulin sensitive or insulin resistant. This test is approximately 5-6 hours in length. Participants will be asked to fast for 12 hours. The insulin sensitivity test is designed to measure how well your cells remove glucose from your blood in response to insulin. During this test participants will have two small catheters (tubing) placed in their veins (I.V. lines). The total amount of blood that will be drawn during this test will be 140 mL of blood (approximately 9.5 tablespoons). Insulin is a natural hormone, and octreotide (a synthetic hormone) is a drug that temporarily blocks the secretion of insulin from your pancreas. A member of the research team is present and monitoring the results along with the nursing staff.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Stanford University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Tracey McLaughlin, MD · Stanford School of Medicine

Study Design

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

PREVENTION

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-06-06

Primary Completion

2025-05-02

Completion

2025-12-31

Countries

• United States

Study Locations