Role of Elevated Lactate Levels on Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether higher blood lactate levels in people with metabolic syndrome contribute to their reduced fat breakdown and glucose tolerance. The study compares metabolically healthy individuals to those with metabolic syndrome, focusing on how elevated lactate affects carbohydrate and fat metabolism at rest, during exercise, and after an oral glucose load. This research uses advanced metabolic assessments to better understand lactate's role beyond being a simple by-product. The study involves two groups: metabolically healthy participants who receive either an intravenous sodium lactate infusion to raise blood lactate to levels seen in metabolic syndrome or a saline infusion as a control, and metabolic syndrome participants who receive only the saline infusion. Each trial includes a 150-minute resting period, an exercise session, and a 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test. Researchers measure insulin sensitivity, fat and carbohydrate oxidation, and use stable isotopes to track metabolism. Participants undergo blood sampling to assess hormones, metabolites, and cytokines. The study measures lipolysis rate and glucose tolerance changes when blood lactate is elevated, along with secondary outcomes like insulin sensitivity and various metabolic markers. The trial lasts for an average of two years, during which detailed metabolic data are collected to understand how lactate influences metabolic processes in different states.

Role of Elevated Lactate Levels on Lipid and Carbohydrate Metabolism.