GLP-1 Therapy: The Role of IL-6 Signaling and Adipose Tissue Remodeling in Metabolic Response

NCT04387201 · Completed

Last updated 2026-05-28

This clinical trial is testing how a GLP-1 therapy affects IL-6 levels in the fat tissue of adults with glucose intolerance or overweight/obesity.

Status Completed The study has finished.

Phase Phase 4 Monitors a drug already on the market.

Type Interventional (clinical trial)

Design Non-randomized, open-label (no blinding) basic-science study

Participants 23 people

Who can join Ages 18–50 · all sexes

Timeline Started 2020-05 · est. completion 2023-10

Where 1 site · United States

What this study is testing ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04387201 ↗

Description as written by the study sponsor.

This project investigates the anti-obesity mechanisms of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogs, which are used in the treatment of human obesity and diabetes mellitus. The investigators will test if GLP-1 induces secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), a cytokine that may collaborate with GLP-1 analogs to induce the formation of brown fat, which has anti-diabetic properties. The results will guide future obesity and diabetes mellitus therapies.

Treatments tested

Cyanocobalamin also known as Vitamin B12 Drug

Cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) 1000 mcg subcutaneous weekly for 6 weeks.
Dulaglutide also known as Trulicity Drug

Dulaglutide 0.75 mg subcutaneous weekly for 2 weeks, followed by 1.5 mg subcutaneous weekly for 4 weeks

Main thing measured	Cytokine Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Messenger Ribonucleic Acid (mRNA) Level (From Adipose Tissue)
Sponsor	The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
Conditions studied	Glucose Intolerance, Overweight and Obesity, Drug Effect, Adiposity
GLP-1 drugs	—

Full protocol, eligibility, and contacts on ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04387201 ↗