Pilot Study of the Human Metagenome in Metabolic Diseases
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
This is a cohort study to understand the role of the human metagenome, and associated metabolites, in health and in various diseased states, in particular obesity as well as sarcopenia. Recruited participants will have their fecal, salivary, urine, serum, and in certain instances, mucosal samples taken, for metagenomic sequencing and metabolite testing. We hope to uncover various differences and signatures in the metagenome and metabolome in various diseased states, with potential future therapeutic applications in personalised medicine.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria (obese cohort): * Obese (BMI\>27.5kg/m2) Inclusion Criteria (sarcopenic cohort): * Sarcopenic patients, defined as 1) low handgrip strength (\<26 for males; \<18kg for females), AND/OR low gait speed (\<0.8m/s) AND low muscle mass (\<7.0kg/m2 for males; \<5.7kg/m2 for females) Inclusion Criteria (control cohort): \- Healthy subjects without sarcopenia, and not obese (BMI\<27.5kg/m2) Exclusion Criteria: * No informed consent * Presence of intestinal stoma, hence inability to collect fecal samples