Journal article
Effect of experimental hookworm infection on insulin resistance in people at risk of type 2 diabetes
DR Pierce, M McDonald, L Merone, L Becker, F Thompson, C Lewis, RYM Ryan, SF Hii, PA Zendejas-Heredia, RJ Traub, MA Field, T Rahman, J Croese, A Loukas, R McDermott, PR Giacomin
Nature Communications | Published : 2023
Abstract
The reduced prevalence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in countries with endemic parasitic worm infections suggests a protective role for worms against metabolic disorders, however clinical evidence has been non-existent. This 2-year randomised, double-blinded clinical trial in Australia of hookworm infection in 40 male and female adults at risk of type 2 diabetes assessed the safety and potential metabolic benefits of treatment with either 20 (n = 14) or 40 (n = 13) Necator americanus larvae (L3) or Placebo (n = 13) (Registration ACTRN12617000818336). Primary outcome was safety defined by adverse events and completion rate. Homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, fast..
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Funding Acknowledgements
The work was funded by the Far North QLD Hospital Foundation (P.G., R.M., A.L.), Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (R.M., P.G., A.L.), Australian National Health and Medical research Council (NHMRC) Senior Principal Research Fellowship (A.L.), Program Grant (A.L.), Advance Queensland Fellowship (P.G.) and an Australian Research Training Program Stipend (D.P.). Funders had no role in the design or conduct of the study. We also thank Sally McDonald, Lynne Reid, Melissa Piontek, Tyler Gilstrom, Melissa Campbell and Geraldine Buitrago for assistance with clinical trial operations.