Background:
Stem cells are found in body tissues. They can regenerate into more of the same cells or become other types of cell. Researchers want to use stem cells from taste buds to try to make cells that secrete insulin. Taste buds are found mostly on the tip and sides of the tongue. Researchers also want to study if the number of taste buds and stem cells decrease as people age. They will remove small pieces of tongue tissue (about the size of a pen tip). The taste buds will grow back. It is hoped that studying taste bud stem cells can lead to new diabetes treatments.
Objectives:
To see if stem cells from taste buds can be isolated in humans.
Eligibility:
Healthy adults at least 18 years old
Design:
Participants will be screened with:
* Medical history
* Physical exam
* Blood and urine tests
* Tongue photograph and mouth inspection. Food coloring will be applied to the tongue.
Participants will have 1 study visit. They will not eat or drink anything 8 hours before.
* They will give blood and urine samples.
* They will have a tongue biopsy. Vital signs will be checked. The inside of the mouth will be examined. The tongue may be cleaned. The tongue will be numbed. Five small pieces of tissue will be taken with a small scissor. Any bleeding will be blotted with cotton and should stop in minutes.
* Participants will be monitored for about 30 minutes. They will get a snack or meal.
* They will be told how to take care of the tongue for the rest of the day.
Participants will be called a week later to see how the
...
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 120 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
* INCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Age 18 years and older
* Healthy (see exclusion criteria below)
* Are able to understand the study risks and procedures, and consent to participate in the study.
* Are able to read and speak English.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
* Have less than 40 fungiform papillae on the anterior third portion of the tongue as evidenced by tongue photo taken during the screen visit.
* Does not agree to the use of their tissue samples to produce stem cells.
* A medical condition that requires the use of chronic anticoagulant medication use such as warfarin, clopidogrel, heparin or antiplatelet agents other than low dose aspirin (81mg).
* History of increased bleeding due to either a known medical condition or an undiagnosed cause.
* Active infections or chronic conditions that would prevent access to the biopsy area.
* Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as Motrin (Ibuprofen), Advil (Ibuprofen) or Naprosyn (Naproxen) and the participant is unable to stop taking them 4 days before and 3 days after the final biopsy procedure.
* Taking more than 81 mg of aspirin a day and the participant is unable to stop taking it for 4 days before and 3 days after the biopsy procedure.
* Allergic to Lidocaine (Xylocaine) or any other local anesthetic or the participant has had in the past a severe allergic reaction to similar drugs.
* Have taken steroids, other than ocular within 30 days of their scheduled biopsy procedure.
* HIV virus infection.
* Hepatitis B or C.
*…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
To demonstrate that in humans, epithelial stem cells isolated from the base of human taste buds can be propagated.