Forearm Immobilization, Metabolic Health, and Muscle Loss

The Impact of Acipimox and Salbutamol Supplementation on the Development of Insulin Resistance and Anabolic Resistance During Forearm Immobilization in Healthy, Young Volunteers

The present study will investigate the impact of altered substrate availability on muscle atrophy, insulin sensitivity and muscle protein synthesis following short-term forearm immobilization

Thirty-six healthy young volunteers will undergo 2 days of forearm immobilization combined with ingestion of one of two drug or placebo. Before and after immobilization, they will receive a stable isotope tracer infusion (5.5 h) combined with repeated blood and muscle sampling under insulin clamp conditions, in order to measure insulin sensitivity and muscle protein synthesis in the fasted and fed state.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females 18-40 years of age
• Body mass index between 18 and 27

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any diagnosed metabolic impairment (e.g. type 1 or 2 diabetes)
• Any diagnosed cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension (≥140 mmHg systolic and/or ≥90 mmHg diastolic)
• Chronic use of any prescribed or over the counter pharmaceuticals (excluding oral contraceptives and contraceptive devices)
• Regular use of nutritional supplements
• Metallic implants
• A personal or family history of thrombosis, epilepsy, seizures or schizophrenia
• Any previous motor disorders
• Any known disorders in lipid metabolism
• Any known disorders in muscle metabolism
• Known allergy for Acipimox, beta agonist, or other substances in the tablets
• Known sensitivity for sympathomimetic drugs
• Known hypokalaemia
• Presence of an ulcer in the stomach or gut and/or strong history of indigestion
• Known severe kidney problems
• Pregnancy
• Unable to give consent