NCT07774676 Effects of Obesity on Autophagy and mTORC1 Signalling in Skeletal Muscle
| NCT ID | NCT07774676 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | — |
| Sponsor | University of Birmingham |
| Condition | Overweight and Obese Adults |
| Study Type | OBSERVATIONAL |
| Enrollment | 24 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-04-15 |
| Primary Completion | 2026-12 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
This is an observational study. You will not receive an experimental treatment; researchers will collect data based on your existing condition or standard treatment.
This trial targets 24 participants in total. It began in 2026-04-15 with a primary completion date of 2026-12.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
It is well known that individuals living with overweight or obesity are not able to activate skeletal muscle growth processes to the same extent as lean individuals following activities such as weightlifting (resistance exercise) or protein ingestion. However, the underlying cell signalling pathways which may be regulating these impairments are not fully understood. This study aims to understand if skeletal muscle signalling responses to resistance exercise and protein intake differ between lean individuals and those living with overweight or obesity. The investigators will recruit a cohort of lean individuals and a cohort of individuals living with overweight/obesity who will undertake a bout of single-leg resistance exercise and consume a protein-rich drink. Before and after this, muscle samples will be obtained from each leg of participants at different timepoints to understand the effects of exercise and feeding combined (exercised leg) and feeding alone (rested leg) on different cellular processes which regulate muscle growth. This will allow the investigators to understand if their are specific pathways within skeletal muscle which could be targeted in future interventions to overcome impaired protein metabolism in those living with overweight/obesity.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age - 18-45yrs * BMI - 18.5-24.9kg/m2 OR \>28kg/m2 (self-declaration, or calculated by research team based on height and weight) * Weight Stable i.e. no change in weight of more than 5% in previous 6 months * Meeting UK Physical activity guidelines (150 mins moderate or 75 mins vigorous activity/wk) * Not involved in structured exercise training in previous 6 months * No other diagnosed metabolic or neuromuscular conditions (self-declaration) Exclusion Criteria: * Currently using anti-diabetes medication (insulin, metformin, sulphonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones, DPP- 4 inhibitors, GLP-1 inhibitors). * Currently taking cholesterol lowering medications (statins) * Currently engaged in active weight loss programmes or using weight loss medication * Chronic kidney disease (moderate to severe reduction in kidney function), defined as eGFR \<30 ml/min/1.73m2 identified by self declaration. * Pregnant or breast feeding * Currently using anti-coagulation medication * Hypothyroidism * Type 1 diabetes * Current or recent weakness/injury to either leg that may affect muscle function or ability to exercise * Current gastrointestinal issue/condition that may affect digestion and absorption of protein drink * Individuals who follow a vegan diet or have intolerance/allergies to Whey protein. * Previous adverse reaction to local anaethetic (lidocaine or marcaine).
Contact & Investigator
Nathan Hodson
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
University of Birmingham
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07774676 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, up to 45 Years, studying Overweight and Obese Adults. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
Is NCT07774676 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07774676 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at j.s.barrett@bham.ac.uk for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07774676 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07774676 clinical trial?
NCT07774676 is sponsored by University of Birmingham. The principal investigator is Nathan Hodson at University of Birmingham. The trial plans to enroll 24 participants.