Endocrinology

Below are current clinical trials.

Filter this list of studies by location, status and more.

1. A Study to Test How Muscle Tissue Differs Between People

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to look for ways to test how muscle tissue differs between people.

2. Insulin Regulation of Lipolysis and Lipolysis Proteins

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to determine whether impaired insulin-induced suppression of lipolysis (as measured by IC50) is related to lipolysis proteins in groups of volunteers known to vary widely with regards to abdominal adipocyte size and regulation of adipose tissue lipolysis, and whether the improved insulin regulation of lipolysis resulting from treatment with the PPARγ agonist pioglitazone, with or without weight loss, can be linked to specific changes in sets of PPARγ-responsive adipocyte lipolysis proteins in UBO adults.
   
   
   
    

    

    

    

    

3. The Development of a Shared Decision Making Encounter Tool for Weight Management Decisions

   Rochester, Minn.

   The aim of this study is to develop, in close collaboration with stakeholders, an evidence-based decision aid to inform discussions regarding the treatment of obesity (Obesity Choice).

4. A Study to Evaluate Innovative Application for Personalized Diabetes Care

   Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

   The multi-purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of “InsulisiteGuider” in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D) through a two-group randomized controlled trial, to characterize the RNA biomarkers in skin epithelial cells isolated from the continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) cannulas from T1D patients, and to characterize RNA biomarkers in the blood and saliva of TID patients.

    

5. A Study to Establish an Obesity-Related Phenotype Registry

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to create a registry of obese patients who have been phenotyped to understand the heterogeneity of obesity.

6. A Study to Evaluate Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise Benefits in Insulin Resistant People

   Rochester, Minn.

   The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of a 3-month resistance exercise program (in people aged 50 to 75) on muscle mass, body composition, muscle strength, brain function and cognition, muscle efficiency processing blood sugar, the body’s ability to build muscle, and fat cells.

   Earlier research has shown that exercise has significant benefits in preventing certain diseases and conditions such as diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and more. We also know from other research that resistance exercise (lifting weights) and aerobic exercise (running, biking, walking), improve metabolism through separate ways on the molecular level, also called “molecular pathways.” With new and sophisticated technologies, we can analyze these molecular pathways to learn how exercise improves health. 

   The purpose of the study is to understand why resistance exercise can prevent disease though analyzing the ‘molecular pathways’ in correlation with blood sugar to understand its effects on diabetes. We also will correlate these results with brain scan and cognitive tests to understand the mechanisms behind cognitive decline and dementia. 

   Participants in this study will undergo a series of baseline measurements including but not limited to blood tests, brain scans, aerobic exercise tests, body composition scans, resistance exercise, a 24-hour research visit, 4 needle muscle biopsies, 2 needle fat biopsies, and an infusion of amino acids (the building blocks of muscles). 

   Following the completion of the baseline visits, participants will be randomly placed into a resistance training group or a control group. 
   1.    Resistance Training Group: Participants put into the resistance training program will take part in a personalized resistance training program and meet with a personal trainer four times a week for three months. Following the three months of resistance training participants will repeat the baseline visits and will be completed with the study. 
   2.    Control Group: Participants put into the control group are asked not to make any lifestyle changes for 3 months. Following the 3 months, they will come back for a repeat of the baseline measurements. At this point they will have the choice to take part in the resistance training program, followed by a third set of baseline measurements. 

   Remuneration is provided. 

   Study title: Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise Benefits to Insulin Resistant People
   IRB #: 19-006273
   Principle Investigator: Dr. K Sreekumaran Nair
    

7. A Study to Predict Recovery from Cushing Syndrome

   Rochester, Minn.

   The primary purpose of this study is to determine pre-surgical and post-surgical predictors of the duration and severity of glucocorticoid withdrawal in patients undergoing a curative surgery for cortisol excess.

8. A Study to Evaluate the Impact of Nutrition Education and Access to Nutritious Foods on Diabetes Control

   Mankato, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether or not a 6 month supply (1 meal//day) of healthy food choices readily available in the patient's home and self management training including understanding of how foods impact diabetes, improved food choices and how to prepare those foods, improve glucose control.  In addition, it will evaluate whether or not there will be lasting behavior change modification after the program.

9. Effect of Agent Orange Exposure on Endocrine Tumor Aggressiveness

   Jacksonville, Fla., Rochester, Minn., Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

   The intent is to collect relevant clinical data on patients exposed to Agent Orange plus assessment of the tissue for genetic mutations known to be associated with growth of thyroid cancer and pituitary tumors and report our findings as a descriptive case series.

10. Bone Health in Patients with/without Adrenal Disease

    Rochester, Minn.

    The purpose of this study is to determine prevalence and incidence of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures in patients with adenomas based on hormonal sub-type, and to determine the effect of abnormal steroid metabolome on bone density, bone metabolism, and fractures.