Alcohol and Sugar Impact on Liver Metabolism

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The study is cross-sectional is design. In the first Aim of this study, 5 women and 5 men will be asked to consume 2g/kg of \[2H\]water (a.k.a. deuterium oxide or heavy water) which incorporates 2H tracers into newly synthesized fatty acids and triglycerides. Deuterated water is not radioactive and has a long history of application in human studies. Researchers will collect blood samples 2 hours before and 5 hours after the participants consume 20 grams of alcohol as vodka to measure alcohol induced hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) in both men in women. In addition, for Aim 2 researchers will recruit an additional 10 women who will be randomized into one of two groups who will consume a beverage containing vodka and sucrose, or sucrose alone. Aim 2 will be identical to the experimental scheme in Aim 2 in order to determine if sucrose enhances the effects of vodka on hepatic DNL.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for healthy men and women aged 21-45, with a BMI of 18.5-29.9, who drink alcohol lightly to moderately. They must understand English but can't participate if they're pregnant, breastfeeding, have a high BMI (>29.9), take regular medications (except oral contraceptives), or exercise heavily.

Inclusion Criteria

Ability to speak and understand English

Ages 21 - 45

You have a normal nutritional status.

+4 more

Exclusion Criteria

BMI >29.9

You have other health conditions in addition to the one being studied.

You are pregnant or currently breastfeeding a child.

+2 more

Participant Groups

The study tests how the liver creates fat after drinking alcohol by having participants consume deuterated water and then vodka. Blood samples will be taken before and after this process in two groups: one also consuming sucrose with vodka and another with sucrose alone.

3Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: ETOH + SucroseExperimental Treatment2 Interventions

5 Females will receive deuterated water and drink 1.72 ounces of alcohol in the form of vodka + 7 grams of sucrose and have de novo Lipogenesis measured at 11 time points during and after.

Group II: C. SucroseExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

5 Females will receive deuterated water and drink a solution containing water and 35 grams of sucrose, and have de novo Lipogenesis measured at 11 time points during and after.

Group III: A. ETOHExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

5 Males and 5 Females will receive deuterated water and drink 2.15 ounces of alcohol in the form of vodka and have de novo Lipogenesis measured at 11 time points during and after.