The investigators are studying the pathophysiologic links between obesity, insulinresistance (IR), adipose tissue infection, and post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC).This study looks at whether adipose (fat) tissue contributes to PASC by driving chronicinflammation or by serving as a reservoir for SARS-CoV-2 persistence. The results willnot only determine whether obesity and IR are risk factors for PASC, but will also definefundamental biology that sets the stage for the investigation of novel or existingtherapies that target the causal pathways identified.
Not Provided
Procedure: Adipose Tissue Biopsy
After an overnight fast, approximately 1-2 grams of subcutaneous fat will be removed by a
needle. Participants will have a local anesthetic prior to the procedure. The needle fat
biopsy will be repeated at quarterly intervals for one year (every 3 months). We will
also draw 1 10mL tube of blood at each biopsy for measurement of inflammatory cytokines.
Diagnostic Test: Steady State Plasma Glucose (SSPG) Test
An Insulin Sensitivity Test (SSPG: Steady State Plasma Glucose) is performed to determine
if participants are insulin sensitive or insulin resistant. This test is approximately
5-6 hours in length. Participants will be asked to fast for 12 hours. The insulin
sensitivity test is designed to measure how well your cells remove glucose from your
blood in response to insulin. During this test participants will have two small catheters
(tubing) placed in their veins (I.V. lines). The total amount of blood that will be drawn
during this test will be 140 mL of blood (approximately 9.5 tablespoons). Insulin is a
natural hormone, and octreotide (a synthetic hormone) is a drug that temporarily blocks
the secretion of insulin from your pancreas. A member of the research team is present and
monitoring the results along with the nursing staff.
Other Name: Insulin Sensitivity Test
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18 to 80
- BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2
- not currently pregnant
Exclusion Criteria:
Arm 2 (Adipose Tissue Biopsy) exclusions include
- pregnancy
- prior liposuction
- recent change in weight (> 2 kg in one month)
- bleeding disorders
- anticoagulant use
Arm 3 (healthy controls only) exclusions include patients with
- major organ disease
- diabetes
- history of liposuction
- bariatric surgery
- eating disorders
- psychiatric disorders
- pregnancy or lactation
- recent change in weight (over the past 12 weeks),
- use of weight loss medication or oral steroids
- hematocrit < 33%
- fasting glucose >= 126 mg/dL
- blood pressure >160/100 mmHg
Clinical and Translational Research Unit
Palo Alto, California, United States
Stanford Health
Palo Alto, California, United States
Nicole Turk, BS
6508880144
nturk@stanford.edu
Tracey McLaughlin, MD, Principal Investigator
Stanford School of Medicine