Physiological Effects of Lactate in Individuals With Chronic Heart Failure

Henrik Wiggers

Status: Enrolling

Conditions: Heart Failure, Systolic

Treatments: Other: Sodium lactate infusion; Other: Sodium lactate ingestion

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06121323

LACTATE-CHF

Details and patient eligibility

About

Background:

Lactate is continuously produced in the human body through two primary processes: glycolysis and microbial fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract. At rest, its concentration in the bloodstream typically ranges from 1 to 2 mmol/L. However, during periods of physical exertion or insufficient oxygen supply, such as during intense exercise, lactate levels significantly increase. Traditionally, lactate was perceived as a byproduct of anaerobic metabolism. Nevertheless, emerging research has illuminated its vital role as both a signaling molecule and a crucial energy source for vital organs like skeletal muscle, brain, and the heart.

Objectives:

The primary aim of this study is to investigate the impact of physiological levels of circulating lactate on the hemodynamics of individuals with chronic heart failure. This research seeks to understand how lactate affects the cardiovascular response in this specific patient population.

Design and Endpoints:

The study design employs a double-blind, randomized crossover approach involving 12 heart failure patients. Each participant will undergo two separate visits.

Visit 1: Participants will receive a three-hour intravenous infusion of either a racemic (D/L) mixture of sodium lactate or an intravenous isotonic sodium chloride placebo, with a subsequent crossover to the opposite infusion on the same day.

Visit 2: Similar to the first visit, participants will receive either an orally administered racemic (D/L) mixture of sodium lactate or an isocaloric, isovolumic oral placebo (maltodextrin), with a crossover to the opposite administration after three hours.

The study's endpoints include cardiac output (primary), mixed venous saturation (SVO2), pulmonary wedge pressure, resting echocardiography (left ventricular ejection fraction and myocardial work efficiency), and measurements of vasoactive substances in blood samples.

Methods:

The study employs invasive Swan-Ganz monitoring to measure cardiac output, echocardiography, and frequent venous blood sample collections. These measurements and samples will be taken at specific intervals during the study visits.

Intervention:

To investigate the isolated hemodynamic and physiological effects of lactate, the study utilizes lactate infusion and ingestion to induce a state of hyperlactatemia within the physiological range. The intended dosages aim to stay within the physiological range, with no values expected to exceed 3-4 mmol/L.

Enrollment: 12 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Chronic heart failure
• NYHA II-III
• Left ventricular ejection fraction <40%
• Negative urine-HCG for women with childbearing potential

Exclusion criteria

• Diabetes or HbA1c >48 mmol/mol
• Significant cardiac valve disease
• Severe stable angina pectoris
• Severe comorbidity as judged by the investigator
• Inability to give informed consent
• Age <18 years
• Other disease or treatment making subject unsuitable for study participation as judged by the investigator.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Basic Science

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Crossover Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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12 participants in 2 patient groups

Lactate infusion

Active Comparator group

Description:

All participants will be randomized to first receive a three-hour intravenous infusion with either a racemic (D/L) mixture of sodium lactate or intravenous isotonic sodium chloride placebo. All participants will then cross over to the converse infusion on the same day.

Treatment:

Other: Sodium lactate infusion

Lactate ingestion

Active Comparator group

Description:

All participants will be randomized to first receive either an orally administered racemic (D/L) mixture of sodium lactate or isocaloric, isovolumic oral placebo (maltodextrin). The oral dose of lactate will be equal to the intravenous dose. All participants will be studied for three hours and then cross over to receive the converse oral administration following additional three hours of observation time on the same day.

Treatment:

Other: Sodium lactate ingestion