LEAP2 on Postprandial Glucose Metabolism and Food Intake n Obese Males (LEAP2-OBCT)

University Hospital, Gentofte, Copenhagen

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Obesity

Treatments: Drug: LEAP-2 Protein, Human

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05603598

H-19038628

Details and patient eligibility

About

The study aims to delineate the effects of the naturally occurring peptide liver-enriched antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2) on postprandial glucose metabolism and food intake in obese volunteers. The overall objective is to investigate the physiological importance of LEAP-2 in obese subjects.

Full description

In a recent study, the molecular phenotype of enteroendocrine cells in the small intestine before and after Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) surgery in obese individuals was examined. Enteroendocrine cells were identified and isolated from intestinal biopsies and analysed for differentially expressed genes by Illumina High Throughput RNA-sequencing. It was discovered that the gene encoding liver-enriched antimicrobial peptide 2 (LEAP-2), a naturally occurring peptide in humans, was significantly upregulated compared to baseline expression. Interestingly, LEAP-2 was recently shown to antagonize ghrelin function in response to feeding in mice. Moreover, the mature murine LEAP-2 peptide is identical in mice and humans. Thus, LEAP-2 has been identified as an endogenous peptide that may be able to alter feeding behaviour and maintenance of glucose levels during calorie restriction. Our group recently found a 12 % relative reduction in ad libitum food intake and reduced postprandial glucose excursions.

The present study hypothesis is that LEAP-2 alters postprandial glucose metabolism and decreases appetite as well as food intake in relation to a liquid mixed meal and a standardised ad libitum meal compared with saline (placebo) in obese subjects.

Enrollment: 20 estimated patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 60 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Caucasian men
• Age between 18 and 25 years
• Body mass index between 30-50 kg/m2
• Informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• Anaemia (haemoglobin below normal range)
• Alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) and/or aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT) >2 times normal values) or history of hepatobiliary and/or gastrointestinal disorder(s)
• Nephropathy (serum creatinine above normal range and/or albuminuria)
• Allergy or intolerance to ingredients included in the standardised meals
• First-degree relatives with diabetes and/or glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) >48 mmol/mol
• Regular tobacco smoking or use of other nicotine-containing products
• Any ongoing medication that the investigator evaluates would interfere with trial participation.
• Any physical or psychological condition that the investigator evaluates would interfere with trial participation including any acute or chronic illnesses

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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20 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Placebo

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

IV infusion of saline, approximately 5.5 hours

Treatment:

Drug: LEAP-2 Protein, Human

Liver-enriched antimicrobial peptide 2

Experimental group

Description:

IV infusion of LEAP2, approximately 5.5 hours

Treatment:

Drug: LEAP-2 Protein, Human