Weight Gain and Adipose Tissue

Overview

About this study

This study aims to examine the role of weight gain in adipose tissue immune cell influx and development of obesity related cardiometabolic disorders. Adipose tissue-mediated chronic systemic inflammation is implicated in the development of cardiometabolic disorders in obesity. Therefore, resolution of adipose tissue inflammation may be key to ameliorating obesity-associated dyslipidemia, insulin-resistance, and cardiovascular disease. Proinflammatory cytokines contribute to the initial influx of immune cells into adipose tissue during weight gain. However, mechanisms regulating these cytokines in the adipose tissue milieu and the effects of weight gain on adipose tissue are not completely understood.

The study proposes to investigate the molecular events contributing to increased infiltration of macrophages and T-cells into adipose tissue during weight gain. The central hypothesis is that in lean subjects (with low body fat mass), healthy fat gain which is associated with decreased expression of proinflammatory cytokines. However, in obesity (high body fat mass), adipose tissue is altered, which permits increased expression of inflammatory cytokines and further fat gain results in influx of immune cells. To test the hypothesis, adipose tissue from well characterized lean (control, with low body fat) and obese individuals (with high body fat) at baseline and after a modest 5% weight gain will be used. Adipose tissue samples after subsequent weight loss will also be examined.

For this study, obesity will be defined by body composition rather than body mass index (BMI), as several studies have shown that BMI does not adequately define obesity and several individuals with normal BMI may indeed have high body fat mass. Individuals with body fat content ≤25% for men, & <35% for women) will be considered lean and individuals with body fat content >25% for men, ≥35% for women will be considered obese.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria

Age: 18 to 40 (inclusive) years
BMI 18.5 <30 kg/m2
Gender: Both males and females will be allowed to participate in the study
Predominantly sedentary
Absence of any chronic medical conditions other than seasonal or environmental allergies
On no prescription medications other than second generation antihistamines (cetirizine , Fexofenadine, Desloratadine, Loratadine, etc), oral contraceptive pills, or intrauterine devices
Not a current smoker or tobacco user
Not pregnant or breast feeding and not intending to become pregnant or breast feed
Lean (low body fat mass) (body fat content ≤ 25% for men, < 35% for women) n=7; Obese (high body fat mass) (body fat content >25% for men, ≥ 35% for women) n=7
Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

Vulnerable study population will be excluded
Presence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy
Anemic (hemoglobin <13.5 g/dL for men and <12.0 g/dL for women)
Postmenopausal
Smoking
Use of chronic Medications (aspirin, statin, anti-inflammatory drugs)
Subjects found to have significant sleep disorders will be excluded
Dietary restrictions including lactose intolerance, and vegan diet
Eating disorders that may interfere with weight gain and weight loss

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location	Status	Contact
Rochester, Minn. Mayo Clinic principal investigator Virend Somers, M.D., Ph.D.	Closed for enrollment	Contact information: Sleep and Cardiovascular Clinical Research Unit CPL@mayo.edu

Mayo Clinic Location

Status

Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Virend Somers, M.D., Ph.D.

Closed for enrollment

Contact information:

Sleep and Cardiovascular Clinical Research Unit

CPL@mayo.edu

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available

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