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Glycogen DepletionREX-6NCT05349149

IL-6 Regulation of Energy Stores During Recovery From an Acute Exercise Bout

A study testing Tocilizumab/Actemra® (Roche) and Saline 9% in people with Glycogen Depletion, run by Helga Ellingsgaard at 1 site in Denmark.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
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Trial summary

The aim of the study is to investigate the role of exercise-induced IL-6 in regulating energy stores and energy metabolism during recovery after an acute exercise bout. To achieve this, 30 men will be randomized to infusion placebo or tocilizumab (IL-6 receptor antibody) combined with a 2-hour exercise bout. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 40 years, men onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Glycogen Depletion
What is being tested?
Tocilizumab/Actemra® (Roche) and Saline 9%
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
30 participants
Where
1 siteDenmark
Study dates
20 Apr 2022to 11 Oct 2022
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 40 years
  • Men only
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Physically active (defined as meeting the ACSM's guidelines of 2.5h per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week), young, healthy males will be included. Participants may be included in the study if they meet all the following criteria:
  • Age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 40 years
  • BMI < 18 and > 25 kg/m2
  • Healthy (based on screening)
  • Stable body weight for 6 months
  • ≥ 2.5h/week moderate to vigorous physical activity

Who cannot join

  • • Cardiovascular disease
  • Rheumatologic disease
  • Metabolic disease
  • Elite sports or high aerobic training status (VO2max > 60 mL O2/min/kg)
  • Frequent/chronic use of medications affecting physical performance or inflammation (NSAIDS, DMARDS, corticosteroids)
  • Aspirin use >100 mg/d
Show all 16Show fewer
  • Thyroid disease
  • Current infection
  • Aspartate amino transferase (AST) or alanine amino transferase (ALT) >2x upper normal range
  • History of carcinoma
  • History of tuberculosis
  • Ketogenic diet
  • Smoking
  • Anemia (hematocrit <33%)
  • Neutrophil count <0,5x 109/l
  • Thrombocytes <50x 109/l or bleeding disorders

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Denmark1 site
  • Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet Section 7641

    Copenhagen, Capital Region, 2100

Other trials in Denmark

About this study

Official title: Role of IL-6 in Regulating Energy Stores During Recovery From an Acute Exercise Bout

The aim of the study is to investigate the role of exercise-induced IL-6 in regulating energy stores and energy metabolism during recovery after an acute exercise bout. To achieve this, 30 men will be randomized to infusion placebo or tocilizumab (IL-6 receptor antibody) combined with a 2-hour exercise bout. Stable isotope tracers will be infused to determine substrate kinetics. Indirect calorimetry will be applied to determine substrate oxidation, and muscle biopsies will be taken to determine substrate uptake and storage.

Being tested
Tocilizumab/Actemra® (Roche), Saline 9%

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Tocilizumab/Actemra® (Roche)Drug

    The infusion of tocilizumab will antagonize IL-6 signaling for the duration of the study, allowing us to determine the role of IL-6 in regulating energy stores following acute exercise

  • Saline 9%Drug

    The infusion of saline will serve as placebo for tocilizumab, allowing us to determine the role of IL-6 in regulating energy stores following acute exercise

Study groups in NCT05349149
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
TocilizumabExperimentalParticipants will receive one 30 min intravenous infusion of tocilizumab/Actemra® (Roche). The dose will be 8 mg/kg bodyweight or a maximum of 800mg. Tocilizumab is dissolved in 100 mL 0.9% saline.
Receives: Drug: Tocilizumab/Actemra® (Roche)
SalinePlacebo comparatorAs placebo, participants will receive one 30 min intravenous infusion of 100 mL 0.9% saline.
Receives: Drug: Saline 9%

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change in muscle glycogen content (mmol/kg/h)

    Comparing change in muscle glycogen in the two groups from before exercise to immediately after exercise, and after 1 hour and 4 hours of recovery

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120, 180 and 360 minutes

  2. Change in muscle triglycerides content

    Comparing change in muscle triglycerides in the two groups from before exercise to immediately after exercise, and after 1 hour and 4 hours of recovery

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120, 180 and 360 minutes

  3. Change in muscle expression of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4)

    Comparing muscle expression of GLUT4 before and immediately after exercise and 4 hours after recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120 and 360 min

  4. Change in muscle expression of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36)

    Comparing muscle expression of FAT/CD36 before and immediately after exercise and 4 hours after recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120 and 360 min

  5. Change in muscle expression of muscle fatty acid binding protein (FABPm)

    Comparing muscle expression of FABPm before and immediately after exercise and 4 hours after recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120 and 360 min

  6. Change in muscle expression of fatty acid transporter 4 (FATP4)

    Comparing muscle expression of FATP4 before and immediately after exercise and 4 hours after recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120 and 360 min

  7. Change in muscle expression of glycerol transporters

    Comparing muscle expression of glycerol transporters before and immediately after exercise and 4 hours after recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120 and 360 min

Secondary outcomes (40)
  1. Change in glucose rate of appearance

    Comparing glucose rate of appearance during exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -60, -45, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  2. Change in glucose rate of disappearance

    Comparing glucose rate of disappearance during exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -60, -45, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  3. Change in glucose concentration

    Comparing glucose concentration during exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -60, -45, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  4. Change in glucose enrichment in intramuscular glycogen

    Comparing glucose enrichment in intramuscular glycogen during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120, 180 and 360 minutes

  5. Change in intramuscular glucose concentration

    Comparing intramuscular glucose concentration during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120, 180 and 360 minutes

  6. Change in glycogen fractional synthesis rate

    Comparing intramuscular glycogen fractional synthesis rate during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120, 180 and 360 minutes

  7. Change in gylcerol rate of appearance

    Comparing gylcerol rate of appearance during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -60, -45, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  8. Change in gylcerol rate of disappearance

    Comparing gylcerol rate of disappearance during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -60, -45, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  9. Change in gylcerol concentration

    Comparing gylcerol concentration during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -60, -45, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  10. Change in palmitate rate of appearance

    Comparing palmitate rate of appearance during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -60, -45, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  11. Change in palmitate rate of disappearance

    Comparing palmitate rate of disappearance during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -60, -45, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  12. Change in palmitate concentration

    Comparing palmitate kinetics during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -60, -45, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  13. Change in palmitate oxidation

    Comparing palmitate oxidation during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -60, -45, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  14. Change in intramuscular palmitate content

    Comparing intramuscular palmitate content during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120, 180 and 360 minutes

  15. Change in palmitate enrichment in intramuscular triglycerides

    Comparing palmitate enrichment in intramuscular triglycerides during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120, 180 and 360 minutes

  16. Change in intramuscular triglycerides fractional synthesis rate

    Comparing intramuscular triglycerides fractional synthesis rate during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at 0, 120, 180 and 360 minutes

  17. Change in haemoglobin

    Comparing haemoglobin during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  18. Change in haematocrit

    Comparing haematocrit during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  19. Change in differential blood count

    Comparing differential blood count during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  20. Change in plasma IL-6 concentration

    Comparing plasma IL-6 concentration during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  21. Change in plasma TNF-alpha concentration

    Comparing plasma TNF-alpha concentration during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  22. Change in plasma IL-8 concentration

    Comparing plasma IL-8 concentration during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  23. Change in plasma IL-10 concentration

    Comparing plasma IL-10 concentration during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  24. Change in plasma IL-1beta concentration

    Comparing plasma IL-1beta concentration during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  25. Change in plasma IL-1Ra concentration

    Comparing plasma IL-1Ra concentration during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  26. Change in plasma IL-4 concentration

    Comparing plasma IL-4 concentration during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  27. Change in plasma sIL-6R concentration

    Comparing plasma sIL-6R concentration during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  28. Change in insulin

    Comparing insulin during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  29. Change in c-peptide

    Comparing c-peptide during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  30. Change in glucagon

    Comparing glucagon during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  31. Change in growth hormone (GH)

    Comparing GH during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  32. Change in adrenaline

    Comparing adrenaline during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  33. Change in noradrenaline

    Comparing noradrenaline during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  34. Change in cortisol

    Comparing cortisol during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  35. Change in total glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)

    Comparing total GLP-1 during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  36. Change in active GLP-1

    Comparing active GLP-1 during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  37. Change in gastric inhibitory peptide (GIP)

    Comparing GIP during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  38. Change in peptide YY (PYY)

    Comparing PYY during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  39. Change in leptin

    Comparing leptin during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

  40. Change in triglycerides

    Comparing triglycerides during rest, exercise and recovery in the two groups

    Measured: Measured at -150, -30, 10, 30, 60, 90, 120, 130, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300 and 360 minutes

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted27 Apr 2022
  2. Study start20 Apr 2022
  3. Primary completion11 Oct 2022
  4. Study completion11 Oct 2022

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Basic science
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Model description
Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Investigator
Enrolment
30 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05349149
Sponsor's protocol ID
H-21063697
Acronym
REX-6
Status last verified
Oct 2022
First submitted
6 Apr 2022
Last updated
26 Oct 2022
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Kistner TM, Trinh B, Mfeketo K, van Hall G, Pedersen BK, Lieberman DE, Ellingsgaard H. Myokine IL-6 activity enhances post-exercise fatty acid accumulation in skeletal muscle but does not affect glycogen resynthesis. Mol Metab. 2026 Jan;103:102283. doi: 10.1016/j.molmet.2025.102283. Epub 2025 Nov 14.

    PubMed 41242537

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Tocilizumab/Actemra® (Roche) and Saline 9% in people with Glycogen Depletion, run by Helga Ellingsgaard at 1 site in Denmark.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 16 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Oct 2022. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Denmark. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change in muscle glycogen content (mmol/kg/h) (time frame: Measured at 0, 120, 180 and 360 minutes). The study lists 7 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05349149, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Oct 2022.

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