This study will test the hypothesis that within a defined range of fructose intake, the ability to convert fructose to glucose (via gluconeogenesis) in the small intestine plays a protective role for the liver, shielding it from the deleterious effects of fructose. We will investigate whether this protective effect of the intestine is impaired in individuals with obesity.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 55 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:
* BMI 30 to 38 kg/m2 (obese group) or BMI 19 to 25 kg/m2 (lean group)
Exclusion Criteria:
* Pregnancy or lactation within the past six months;
* Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus (including fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL, HgbA1c ≥6.5%);
* History of liver disease or AST and ALT 2x above the upper limit of normal;
* Fasting triglyceride \> 300 mg/dl; total cholesterol levels above the 95th percentile for age and sex;
* Hemoglobin (Hgb) \<12.5g/d or hematocrit\<3x Hgb value;
* Report of HIV or hepatitis B or C infection;
* History of cancer, other than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma or kidney disease stage 3 or higher or patients currently on dialysis;
* Use of any anti-diabetic medications or hypolipidemic agents in the past six months;
* History of surgical procedure for obesity;
* Change in body weight \>5% in the past six months (by self-report);
* History of other conditions known to affect insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism (e.g., polycystic ovary syndrome), history of galactosemia, hereditary fructose intolerance, or who test positive for fructose malabsorption at screening;
* Known intolerance to acetaminophen.
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.