Endocrinology

Below are current clinical trials.

Filter this list of studies by location, status and more.

1. A Study to Evaluate Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise Benefits in Insulin Resistant People

   Rochester, Minn.

   The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of a 3-month resistance exercise program (in people aged 50 to 75) on muscle mass, body composition, muscle strength, brain function and cognition, muscle efficiency processing blood sugar, the body’s ability to build muscle, and fat cells.

   Earlier research has shown that exercise has significant benefits in preventing certain diseases and conditions such as diabetes, dementia, heart disease, and more. We also know from other research that resistance exercise (lifting weights) and aerobic exercise (running, biking, walking), improve metabolism through separate ways on the molecular level, also called “molecular pathways.” With new and sophisticated technologies, we can analyze these molecular pathways to learn how exercise improves health. 

   The purpose of the study is to understand why resistance exercise can prevent disease though analyzing the ‘molecular pathways’ in correlation with blood sugar to understand its effects on diabetes. We also will correlate these results with brain scan and cognitive tests to understand the mechanisms behind cognitive decline and dementia. 

   Participants in this study will undergo a series of baseline measurements including but not limited to blood tests, brain scans, aerobic exercise tests, body composition scans, resistance exercise, a 24-hour research visit, 4 needle muscle biopsies, 2 needle fat biopsies, and an infusion of amino acids (the building blocks of muscles). 

   Following the completion of the baseline visits, participants will be randomly placed into a resistance training group or a control group. 
   1.    Resistance Training Group: Participants put into the resistance training program will take part in a personalized resistance training program and meet with a personal trainer four times a week for three months. Following the three months of resistance training participants will repeat the baseline visits and will be completed with the study. 
   2.    Control Group: Participants put into the control group are asked not to make any lifestyle changes for 3 months. Following the 3 months, they will come back for a repeat of the baseline measurements. At this point they will have the choice to take part in the resistance training program, followed by a third set of baseline measurements. 

   Remuneration is provided. 

   Study title: Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise Benefits to Insulin Resistant People
   IRB #: 19-006273
   Principle Investigator: Dr. K Sreekumaran Nair
    

2. Effect of Agent Orange Exposure on Endocrine Tumor Aggressiveness

   Jacksonville, Fla., Rochester, Minn., Scottsdale/Phoenix, Ariz.

   The intent is to collect relevant clinical data on patients exposed to Agent Orange plus assessment of the tissue for genetic mutations known to be associated with growth of thyroid cancer and pituitary tumors and report our findings as a descriptive case series.

3. Bone Health in Patients with/without Adrenal Disease

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to determine prevalence and incidence of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures in patients with adenomas based on hormonal sub-type, and to determine the effect of abnormal steroid metabolome on bone density, bone metabolism, and fractures.

4. A Study to Examine the Molecular Mechanisms of Acute Effects of Resistance Exercise

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to seek and identify the mechanistic underpinnings of the effects of resistance exercise (RE) on insulin sensitivity.

5. Pediatric Home Tube Feeding, the Impact of Nutrition Intervention Prior to Tube Placement

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to determine if providing nutrition education and intervention prior to feeding tube placement will increase patient and caregiver satisfaction and improve safety due to consistent education.

    

6. Multi-center Trial in Adult and Pediatric Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Using Hybrid Closed Loop System at Home

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of the Hybrid Closed Loop system (HCL) in adult and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes in the home setting. A diverse population of patients with type 1 diabetes will be studied. The study population will have a large range for duration of diabetes and glycemic control, as measured by glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C). They will be enrolled in the study regardless of their prior diabetes regimen, including using Multiple Daily Injections (MDI), Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) or Sensor-Augmented Pump therapy (SAP)

7. A Study of the Impact of the Terminology Used to Identify Papillary Thyroid Cancer on the Treatment Options Chosen by Patients

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to explore how using different terms (with or without the word cancer) to identify papillary thyroid cancer might affect the decisions patients would make about treatment.

8. A Study to Evaluate the Performance of an Advanced Algorithm with CGM in Adults, Adolescents, and Pediatrics

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the performance of the Guardian™ Sensor (3) with an advanced algorithm in subjects age 2 - 80 years, for the span of 170 hours (7 days).

9. A Study to Analyze Gender Congruence After Gender Confirmation Surgery

   Rochester, Minn.

   The purpose of this study is to assess the success and effectiveness of gender confirmation surgeries on eliminating gender incongruence and improving life satisfaction, and compare patient’s status with the preoperative results.

10. A Study Evaluating the Prevalence, Incidence and Predictors for Development of the Impulse Control Disorders in Patients with Prolactinomas Treated with Dopamine Agonist Therapy

    Rochester, Minn., Jacksonville, Fla.

    The purpose of this study is to establish incidence and prevalence of Impulse Control Disorders (ICDs) in patients with prolactinomas treated with dopamine agonists (DA), to determine the predictors of ICD development, and to establish a predictor scoring system that could be subsequently validated and applied prior to initiation of DA.