Clinical Research Directory

Serial Assessment of Body Fat Accrual in Very Preterm Infants

Despite evidence that both rapid weight gain and excessive body fat accrual are associated with overweight and obesity, usual neonatal care of preterm infants does not include assessment of body fat accrual. The study hypothesis is that identification of early changes in infant body composition (i.e. amount of fat mass and fat-free mass) reduces % body fat at 3 months of age.

GLP-1 RA on Alcohol Consumption, Metabolism and Liver Parameters in Patients With Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease

There is evidence that alcoholic beverage consumption significantly interacts with food energy intake. Furthermore, there is accumulating evidence showing independent, combined, and modifying effects of alcohol and metabolic factors on the onset and progression of chronic liver disease. Preclinical and clinical data have showed that GLP-1 RA can decrease alcohol consumption, particularly in obese patients. Moreover there is evidence that semaglutide can improve the liver sinusoidal milieu in pre-clinical models of cirrhosis. In this study, the investigators aim to assess if patients treated with semaglutide and receiving counselling will achieve a significantly higher alcohol abstinence compared to patients only receiving counselling.

Early Life Intervention in Pediatrics Supported by E-health

Childhood obesity in early life contributes to the development of specific NCDs, i.e. adult obesity. Unhealthy diet and low level of physical activity are lifestyle risk behaviors associated with chronic, systemic inflammation, which promotes the pathogenesis of NCDs. Early preventive measures to improve lifestyle behavior are of utmost importance. The aim of ELIPSE-I is to assess whether an eHealth application intervention for parents is feasible and efficacious in lowering total energy intake/total energy expenditure (TEI/TEE) ratio in their children with BMI \>97 centile (ELIPSE-I).

Study on the Performance of Symmcora® Mid-term Suture Versus Novosyn® Suture in Patients Undergoing Robotic Assisted Gastric Bypass Surgery

The study is designed as a prospective, mono-centric, randomized, patient blinded comparison of unidirectional barbed suture (Symmcora® mid term, UBS) vs. a conventional suture (Novosyn®, CS). Patient will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either the UBS group or the CS group to perform the gastro-jejunal anastomosis (GJA) and the jejuno-jejunal anastomosis (JJA). The product under investigation and the conventional suture material will be used in routine clinical practice and according to the Instructions for Use (IfU).

Comparison of Genotype-Based Dietary Counseling Versus Standard Dietary Counseling on Weight Loss and Fat Mass Reduction

This study aims to compare the effects of genotype-based dietary counseling with standard dietary counseling based on general recommendations on weight loss and reduction of body fat. Participants will receive individualized dietary guidance either informed by genetic information or based on conventional dietary guidelines. Changes in body weight and body composition will be assessed over the course of the intervention.

Endoscopic Gastric Mucosal Ablation (GMA) of Class III Obesity

This study is intended to investigate safety and feasibility of a new weight loss technique called Gastric Mucosal Ablation (GMA) that does not require surgery, but can be achieved using an endoscopic procedure. Previous studies have suggested that weight loss after vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is partly due to the removal of normal stomach tissue suspected of having hormonal function. The study will investigate the minimally invasive treatment of obesity Class III participants by means of argon plasma coagulation (APC) in combination with waterjet submucosal injection using HybridAPC. As primary endpoint device or procedure related occurrence of complications according to Clavien-Dindo classification will be determined. After signing the informed consent the doctor and research team will determine if the participant meets all requirements for this study. If a participant is confirmed to be a suitable candidate additional tests will be performed prior to the first application of GMA to assess the health status of the participant prior to treatment. During the screening and baseline visit the medical history and the medications of the participant will be reviewed. After the treatments the participants will be followed for up to 6 months to assess the outcome of the GMA procedure.

Endoscopic Gastric Mucosal Ablation as a Primary Obesity Therapy

This study is intended to investigate safety and feasibility of a new weight loss technique called endoscopic Gastric Mucosal Ablation (GMA) that does not require surgery, but can be achieved using an endoscopic procedure. Previous studies have suggested that weight loss after vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) is partly due to the removal of normal stomach tissue suspected of having hormonal function. The study will investigate the minimally invasive treatment of obesity by means of argon plasma coagulation (APC) in combination with waterjet submucosal injection using HybridAPC. As primary objective total body weight loss (TBWL) will be determined as body weight difference at the 6 months follow up (FU) visit after the last treatment session in comparison to the body weight prior to the initial treatment. After signing the informed consent the doctor and research team will determine if the participant meets all requirements for this study. If a participant is confirmed to be a suitable candidate additional tests will be performed prior to the first application of GMA to assess the health status of the participant prior to treatment. During the screening and baseline visit the medical history and the medications of the participant will be reviewed. After the treatments the participants will be followed for up to 12 months to assess the outcome of the GMA procedure.

The Sweet Kids Study (Stevia on Weight and Energy Effect Over Time)

This is an 8 to14-week three-arm randomized controlled in children 8 to 12 years old. The main purpose of the study is to evaluate if stevia has benefits for weight control and metabolic function relative to caloric sweeteners, and whether it provides benefits in this regard similar to water.

Redefining BMI: The Body, Mind, and Inflammation Trial

Emerging adulthood (18-25 years of age) is a critical developmental window to promote weight management and cardiometabolic health, particularly for emerging adult women. The primary purpose of this study is to test the preliminary efficacy of the intensive lifestyle intervention for EA women in reducing adiposity, as well as improving biomarkers of inflammation and metabolic risk over 12 months compared with a traditional behavioral weight loss intervention. This treatment program will be tested in emerging adult (EA) women ages 18-25 years old with a BMI of 25-50 kg/m\^2.

Effects of Cross-sex Hormone Therapy on Eating Behavior, Metabolism, Energy Balance and Cardiovascular System

Current study aims to characterize five highly interconnected physiological systems in patients undergoing cross-sex hormone therapy - namely glucose and lipid metabolism, energy balance, eating behavior, functional brain networks involved in the regulation of eating behavior and the cardiovascular system - to gain novel insights into the effects of sex hormones on the human body. Gathered information will help to identify pathophysiological mechanisms for the development of overeating/obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. Secondarily, the relationships between the gut and oral microbiomes and metabolomes and circulating bacterial signatures will be investigated in relation to the other pervasive physiological systems. Current study is an observational study. The decision if the patient's request for cross-sex hormone therapy can complied with (i.e., if cross-sex hormone therapy is medically indicated) is made prior to the first contact with the study center and with the outpatients clinic for Endocrinology at the University Hospital in Leipzig. Decision ifor treatment is made according to national and international guidelines. Treatment of study participants with testosterone and estradiol/antiandrogens is not affected by the study. During the course of the study no invasive interventions are being performed.

MOVI-OLE! [Open Learning Environments]

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of MOVI-OLE! (Open Learning Environment), a school-based intervention designed to reduce sedentary time and enhance multiple aspects of child development, including cognitive function, physical fitness, body composition, psychological well-being, and student engagement. The intervention combines dynamic classroom furniture with student-centered teaching practices. Additionally, a qualitative component will explore how students, teachers, and families perceive the feasibility and acceptability of implementing MOVI-OLE! in real-world school settings.

The Influence of Chardonnay Marc Intake on Gut and Cardiometabolic Health

Recently a dietary recommendation of 400 - 600 mg/ day has been proposed for the reduced risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Dietary flavanols can be obtained from the intake of foods such as tea, cocoa, wine, berries and apples. Incorporating Chardonnay Marc (the skins and seeds of Chardonnay grapes) into the diet can be an additional source of dietary flavanols. Like other flavanol-rich foods, Chardonnay Marc provides fiber and polysaccharides that may benefit gut health. This study seeks pilot data on the impact of the daily incorporation of Chardonnay Marc powder into the diet on markers of gut and cardiometabolic health.

Transcriptional Changes in Isolated Human Adipocytes During Obesity

Adipocytes play an important role in our body through their function as metabolic energy stores in the form of fat deposits, which are stored when metabolic energy is in excess and released when energy levels are low. In severe obesity, adipose tissue grows through the production of more adipocytes from stem cells (hyperplasia) and the increase in the size of existing adipocytes (hypertrophy). This ability of adipocytes, to maintain their functionality during tissue expansion, is critical in determining the development of obesity-related comorbidities. However, not all adipocytes are the same as adipocyte function differs greatly depending on the depot in which they are found. To elucidate the mechanisms underlying adipocyte adaptability, it is necessary to obtain a deep systems biology understanding of how signaling in different types of adipocytes regulates metabolism and function. Currently, this research group is conducting a systems biology analysis of adipocyte plasticity in obesity in mouse models, but adipose tissue biopsies from different depots in humans are lacking and needed to investigate the regulation of adipocyte function and plasticity in humans. Such studies of adipocytes are crucial for the understanding how obesity affects adipose tissue function and leads to comorbidities.

Visceral Adiposity, Vagal Tone and Food Preferences: a Pilot Study

Food preferences are defined by a number of measurable parameters, such as per se food choices, sensitivity of taste and olfactory sensory perceptions, hedonic appreciation of foods ("liking") and motivation to consume them ("wanting"). These food preferences are fundamental to the quality of food intake, and are therefore a key factor influencing weight loss or maintenance of a stable weight. Obesity is also associated with reduced sensory sensitivity to taste and smell, as well as disturbances in the responses of the food reward system. However, the internal, or physiological, mechanisms impacting these food preferences are still poorly understood. To date, several studies seem to point to the role of body composition, in particular visceral adiposity, or adiposity surrounding the digestive organs. Indeed, a high level of visceral adiposity is associated with the onset of numerous cardiometabolic disorders, but also with altered sensory perceptions. This relationship could be mediated by the vagus nerve, which connects the digestive organs to the brain, enabling the perception of internal signals sent by the body, such as feelings of hunger or satiety. Low vagal activity is associated not only with abdominal obesity, but also with reduced sensory sensitivity to taste and smell, and changes in food choices in favor of energy-dense foods (rich in fats and/or sugars). Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve is now recognized as a possible treatment for morbid obesity in the USA, but the mechanisms leading to the expected weight loss are still debated. Similarly, an increase in vagal tone has been found in patients who have undergone bariatric surgery for the treatment of severe complicated to morbid obesity, in parallel with sensory disturbances. The overall aim of this project is to explore and confirm the relationship between visceral adiposity and various food preference parameters, such as olfactory and gustatory perceptions and reward system responses, involving liking and wanting certain foods and associated behaviors. This project also aims to shed light on the possible mediation of the vagus nerve in this relationship.

Cardiometabolic Consequences of the Loss of Ovarian Function

The menopause transition is associated with a decrease in artery health and an increased risk for weight gain in storing fat in the stomach area which may increase the risk for heart disease. The purpose of this research is to study how the decrease in estrogen at menopause changes artery health and fat gain, and risk of disease in women as they age. The first aim in this study will determine whether short term and long term low estrogen levels in premenopausal women decreases artery function and whether this is related to an increase in fat in the stomach area. The second aim will determine whether the changes in artery health and body fat are related to changes in a pathway that breaks down an important amino acid called tryptophan. This pathway is thought to play a role in regulating the aging process. Therefore, the investigators will determine whether the decrease in artery health and the increase in body fat in the stomach region with low estrogen is related to changes in this pathway in the blood, in vascular cells and fat tissue. Because estrogen levels fluctuate in premenopausal women, the investigators will use an approach (intervention) that controls estrogen levels to address these aims. The investigators will use a medication that is typically used to treat endometriosis or uterine fibroids to lower estrogen levels and an estrogen patch to increase estrogen in some women. Some women will receive a patch that has no estrogen (called a placebo patch). The intervention period will be 20 weeks. The study will provide us with new knowledge on how low estrogen with menopause affects artery health and fat gain estrogen.

Neuroendocrine Mechanisms in Adiposity: An Integrated Approach to the Characterization of Potential Pharmacological Novel Targets Based on Experimental and Clinical Models

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate, retrospectively and prospectively, the effect of different hormonal and neuropeptide dysfunctions on the body composition of patients suffering from hypothalamic-pituitary pathologies, and to evaluate the potential beneficial effect of surgical and medical treatments with agonists and antagonists of hypothalamic neuropeptides, currently available, on the development and treatment of adiposity and negative cross-talk between adiposity and muscle/bone tissue

Effect of Weight Loss on Intermuscular Adipose Tissue (IMAT) Signaling

The goal of this intervention study is to learn about how weight loss impacts molecular signaling of intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) in individuals with obesity. The main question it aims to answer is how inflammatory molecules secreted by IMAT promote muscle insulin resistance and inflammation, and how these same molecules are diminished after weight loss. Following screening visits involving body composition measures, blood testing, strength testing, and a thigh muscle biopsy, participants will go through a 12-week dietary intervention for weight loss. After 12 weeks, this will be followed by the same testing and biopsies that were completed before the intervention. Researchers will then compare outcomes of individuals who lost weight to individuals who did not lose weight.

Short-term Fat Overfeeding on the Effects of Liver Metabolism

Despite work showing the overconsumption of saturated fatty acids (SFA) to be metabolically deleterious, debate continues about whether there is a link between SFA and cardiovascular disease risk. To explore this, we are undertaking a human in vivo parallel-design study, comparing two isocaloric high-fat diets; one enriched with SFA and the other enriched with unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs), to determine the impact of dietary fat composition on postprandial metabolism, liver fat, cardiac fat and cardiac function.

Diabetes Registry Graz for Biomarker Research

The Diabetes registry for biomarker research Graz is a prospective cohort-study including subjects with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, rare types of diabetes, obesity and dyslipidemia, aiming to collect data, blood and urine samples of all subjects on an annual basis.

The PREWEAN Study. Weaning of Preterm Infants During the First Year of Life.

In this Austrian observational study preterm infants born with a birth weight \<1500 g and a gestational age \<32 weeks will be investigated at the neonatal outpatient clinic. Infants will be stratified according their feeding regimen (breast, formula and combined feeding) and their introduction of solid foods (early complementary feeding group: \<17th week of life corrected for prematurity, late complementary feeding group: ≥17th week of life corrected for prematurity). Nutrient intakes and anthropometric parameters will be assessed at term, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 9 months and 12 months - all corrected for prematurity and with 40, 54 and 66 months.