LOCRAT Study. Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Ligand Occupancy of Corticosteroid Receptors in Adipose Tissue
IRAS ID
164581
Contact name
Catriona J Kyle
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
ACCORD
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
The body produces natural steroids called glucocorticoids which regulate the body’s response to stress. Metabolic syndrome is a term used to describe a collection of conditions including high blood pressure, high blood sugars and high cholesterol and is associated with higher levels of these steroids. This syndrome is in turn linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease such as heart attack and stroke.
Recent work by this group has identified subtle differences in action and concentration of the two glucocorticoids in humans, cortisol and corticosterone, in different tissues. These differences may be explained by the presence and absence of cell membrane transporters (or ABC transporters) which allow either cortisol or corticosterone to move out of cells. We know increased cortisol levels act on fat tissue to affect its sensitivity to insulin and can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome. Should ABC transporters influence the role of cortisol in developing metabolic syndrome, this could provide a potential target for developing new treatments in the future.
We wish to recruit 14 healthy male volunteers aged 18-60 to take part in a study to investigate the effects of blocking ABC transporters on the movement of glucocorticoids from cells. Participants will attend 2 study visits and be given either dummy tablets (placebo) or an ABC transporter inhibitor for 5 days before each study visit (8-5pm). They will have 4 blood sampling tubes inserted in both arms and tummy. We will give medication to block steroid receptors in the cells at the beginning of the study day and measure the release of glucocorticoids from fat and muscle tissue. Blood samples will be taken regularly throughout the study visit. Two fat biopsies from the tummy will be taken at the beginning and end of each study visit.
REC name
Scotland A: Adults with Incapacity only
REC reference
15/SS/0034
Date of REC Opinion
18 Mar 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion