Effects of Pioglitazone on Exogenous Carbohydrate Oxidation During Steady-State Exercise at High Altitude

Summary

Apparent hypoxia-induced insulin insensitivity along with alterations in glucose kinetics suggests reduction in glucose uptake by the peripheral tissue is a primary factor contributing to reductions in exogenous glucose oxidation at HA. As such, the primary objective of this study is to determine the ability of an insulin sensitizer (Pioglitazone, PIO) to enhance exogenous glucose oxidation and metabolic clearance rate during metabolically-matched, steady-state exercise during acute HA exposure compared to placebo (PLA) in native lowlanders. Secondary objective of this study will be to assess the impact of PIO on markers of inflammation and iron status compared to PLA. This randomized crossover placebo control double blinded study will examine substrate oxidation and glucose kinetic responses to ingesting supplemental carbohydrate (glucose) during metabolically-matched, steady-state exercise with acute (\~5 h) exposure to HA (460 mmHg, or 4300m, barometric pressure similar to Pike's Peak) after receiving PIO (HA+PIO), or after receiving a matched placebo (HA+PLA). Eight healthy, recreationally active males between the ages of 18-39 yrs will be required to complete this study. Following a 4 day glycogen normalization period receiving PIO or PLA daily, volunteers will complete two 80-min trials, performing metabolically-matched, steady-state aerobic (same absolute workload corresponding to \~55 ± 5% of V̇O2peak at HA) exercise on a treadmill, and consuming 145 g of glucose (1.8 g/min); one trial with HA+PIO and the other with HA+PLA. A dual glucose tracer (13C-glucose oral ingestion and \[6,6-2H2\]-glucose primed, continuous infusion) technique and indirect calorimetry will be used to selectively analyze endogenous and exogenous glucose oxidation, as well as glucose rate of appearance (Ra), disappearance (Rd) and metabolic clearance rate (MCR). Serial blood samples will be collected during each trial to assess endocrine and circulating substrate responses to exercise, carbohydrate, and hypoxia with or without PIO. All trials will occur at the same time of day in the USARIEM hypobaric/hypoxic chamber and be separated by a minimum 10-d washout period. The primary risks associated with this study include those associated with acute hypobaric hypoxia, exercise, and blood sampling.

Conditions

• High Altitude

Interventions

DRUG

Pioglitazone 15mg

Pioglitazone (PIO) will be administered as a 15 mg oral dose per day for 5 days

OTHER

Placebo

100% microcrystalline cellulos

Sponsors & Collaborators

• United States Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine

  lead FED

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Model

CROSSOVER

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

39 Years

Sex

MALE

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2023-03-01

Primary Completion

2023-07-01

Completion

2023-07-01

FDA Drug

Yes

Countries

• United States

Study Locations