Influence of Diabetic Neuropathy on Activation of Brown Adipose Tissue (DIA-BAT)

• ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03695731
• Recruitment Status: Unknown
• First Posted: October 4, 2018
• Last Update Posted: May 9, 2019
• Sponsor: Doctor Giacomo Gastaldi
• Collaborator: University Hospital, Geneva
• Information provided by (Responsible Party): Doctor Giacomo Gastaldi, University Hospital, Geneva

Study Description

Brief Summary:

Influence of diabetic neuropathy on cold induced brown adipose tissue in type 1 diabetic patients.

Condition or disease	Intervention/treatment	Phase
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1	Procedure: cold induced activation of brown adipose tissue	Not Applicable

Detailed Description:

The prevalence of type 1 diabetes has been steadily increasing for about 20 years. Despite therapeutic progress, between 20 and 65% of people with diabetes develop diabetic neuropathy, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality.

Diabetic neuropathy is not limited to sensitive pain in the lower limbs. It also affects the fibres of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which results in systemic complications, often disabling (erectile dysfunction, dysidrosis, gastroparesis, orthostatism, etc.) and a probable alteration in the body's thermogenic capacities, although this possibility has not been studied in humans. In rodents, it is possible to activate induced thermogenesis via central stimulation of the ANS or to inactivate it, which promotes the development of obesity and greater insulin resistance. This knowledge is based on cellular and animal models that have identified the bio-molecular mechanisms that give brown adipose tissue (BAT) the ability to dissipate energy in the form of heat.

Induced thermogenesis is mediated by decoupling proteins 1 (DCS-1) located on the mitochondrial inner membrane of the TAB. DCS-1 decouple oxidative phosphorylation from ATP production, dissipating the proton gradient. The activation of UCP1 is particularly influenced by the sympathetic system and more particularly by catecholamines which will bind to ß3 adrenergic receptors (Rß3). In humans, the persistence of active areas of TAB has recently been demonstrated by positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using a glucose analogue radiotracer, 18F-Fluoro-Deoxy-Glucose (18F-FDG), coupled with the scanner (CT). Recently, it has been shown that the use of 18F-FDG PET coupled with magnetic resonance (MRI) is equally effective in differentiating TAB from white fat tissue with less patient irradiation. The activity of the TAB is estimated using the measurement of SUV (standard uptake value) which represents the total glycolytic activity of the tissue and is also commonly referred to as the total metabolic volume. It has been shown in humans that TAB activity is inversely correlated with body mass index and age and positively correlated with exposure to cold and stress levels[6]. Among diabetics, the data are disparate but the spontaneous prevalence of TAB appears to be reduced compared to the general population (1.1% vs 7.5%). To date, no studies have investigated a possible link between the decrease in TAB activity observed in diabetics and the presence of autonomic neuropathy, which is a common and often under-diagnosed complication of diabetes.

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the activity and distribution of TAB in patients with diabetes is influenced by the presence of diabetic neuropathy. On the other hand, if the existence of diabetic neuropathy influences energy expenditure in the event of exposure to cold. Finally, whether any differences in the activity and distribution of TAB could be related to changes in the central nervous system.

The investigators plan to include a total of 24 patients with type 1 diabetes and separate them into 2 groups: group A; no neuropathic complications and group B; presence of neuropathy. All patients will be characterized in terms of clinical, metabolic and energy expenditure. The activity of the TAB will be evaluated through the use of 18F-FDG PET/IRM imaging, after a cold stimulation protocol (refrigerated jacket) in order to activate the TAB in a homogeneous manner among the participants.

Study Design

• Study Type: Interventional (Clinical Trial)
• Estimated Enrollment: 24 participants
• Allocation: Non-Randomized
• Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)
• Primary Purpose: Basic Science
• Official Title: Influence of Diabetic Neuropathy on Activation of Brown Adipose Tissue
• Actual Study Start Date: October 15, 2018
• Estimated Primary Completion Date: October 15, 2019
• Estimated Study Completion Date: October 15, 2019

Arms and Interventions

Arm	Intervention/treatment
Experimental: Patients without Neuropathy; activation of cold induced brown adipose tissue	Procedure: cold induced activation of brown adipose tissue; cold exposure wearing a cold life jacket
Experimental: Patients with Neuropathy; activation of cold induced brown adipose tissue	Procedure: cold induced activation of brown adipose tissue; cold exposure wearing a cold life jacket

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures :

1. brown adipose tissue activation [ Time Frame: 120 minutes after cold exposure ]
   PET- MRI measurement (SUVR)

Secondary Outcome Measures :

1. Energy expenditure [ Time Frame: before and 120 minutes after cold exposure ]
   indirect calorimetry measurement

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)
• Sexes Eligible for Study: All
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: No

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Type 1 diabetes
2. Patients who can understand the issue of this study and who are able to decide for themselves whether or not to participate in the study.
3. Adult patient (>18 years old)
4. Informed Consent form signed

5. Differentiated inclusion:

   • Group A: absence of neuropathy
   • Group B: significant neuropathy

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Treatment with beta-blockers
2. Alcohol consumption(> 50 gr/week)
3. Allergy to 18F-FDG
4. Participation in another clinical study (4 weeks prior to entry) that may influence the activity of brown adipose tissue
5. Pregnancy
6. Exposure to ionizing radiation greater than or equal to 5 mSv during the year preceding the PET-RMI planned in the study

Contacts and Locations

Contacts

Contact: Giacomo Gastaldi, Dr.; +41795533638; giacomo.gastaldi@hcuge.ch

Contact: Isabelle Semac; +41795535617; isabelle.semac@hcuge.ch

Locations

Switzerland

Geneva University Hospital; Recruiting

Geneva, Switzerland, 1205

Contact: Giacomo Gastaldi giacom.gastaldi@hcuge.ch

Sponsors and Collaborators

Doctor Giacomo Gastaldi

University Hospital, Geneva

Investigators

• Principal Investigator: Giacomo Gastaldi, Dr.; University Hospital, Geneva

More Information

• Responsible Party: Doctor Giacomo Gastaldi, Principal investigator, University Hospital, Geneva
• ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03695731
• Other Study ID Numbers: 14-170 (PB_2018-00258)
• First Posted: October 4, 2018
• Last Update Posted: May 9, 2019
• Last Verified: May 2019

Individual Participant Data (IPD) Sharing Statement:

• Plan to Share IPD: Undecided

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product: No

Keywords provided by Doctor Giacomo Gastaldi, University Hospital, Geneva:

diabetes; brown adipose tissue; energy expenditure; glycemic control; neuropathy; 18F-FDG PET-RMI

Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Diabetic Neuropathies; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1; Diabetes Mellitus; Glucose Metabolism Disorders; Metabolic Diseases; Endocrine System Diseases; Autoimmune Diseases; Immune System Diseases; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases; Neuromuscular Diseases; Nervous System Diseases; Diabetes Complications