BARIDEP Protocol V.1 17-01-18
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Understanding the biological pathways between depression and obesity in patients undergoing bariatric surgery.
IRAS ID
231900
Contact name
Valeria Mondelli
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
We are investigating the biological mechanisms contributing to the high comorbidity between obesity and depression, specifically trying to understand whether increased immune system activity could be the underlying cause for this high morbidity. Biological markers of increased immune activity can be measured in blood, saliva and fat tissue samples.
We are specifically looking at the relationship between obesity and depression in patients undergoing bariatric surgery, as rates of depression are particularly high in these patients. Bariatric surgery also provides an easy method to collect adipose and bowel tissues. Furthermore, patients with depression undergoing bariatric surgery are also more likely to struggle with weight loss and dissatisfaction with their surgery outcome.
Patients aged between 18 and 70 will be recruited from the bariatric surgery clinic at King’s College Hospital. We are recruiting patients both with and without depression to compare these groups. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires, weight measurements and have blood samples collected at King’s College hospital on 4 occasions over approximately 2 years. Of these study visits, 2 out of 4 will be arranged to coincide with patient’s appointments at the bariatric surgery clinic to minimise unnecessary travel. Adipose and bowel tissue samples will be collected as part of routine procedure by surgeons performing the surgery at King’s College Hospital. Saliva samples will be self-collected by the participants at home.
While our study is specifically focused on measuring the outcomes of bariatric surgery patients, our research will have wider implications for improving the physical and mental wellbeing of patients with obesity and depression. The clinical and biological data we gain over the 2 year period will provide valuable insight into the biological mechanisms involved in both obesity and depression and how to reduce the comorbidity of these conditions.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/0350
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion