Neuropeptides in CSF_Version1

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Investigation of neuropeptides involved in weight regulation and neuroendocrine function

• IRAS ID

  368155

• Contact name

  Sadaf Farooqi

• Contact email

  isf20@cam.ac.uk

• Sponsor organisation

  Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and University of Cambridge

• Duration of Study in the UK

  3 years, 0 months, 1 days

• Research summary

  We are interested in understanding how body weight is regulated in humans (energy homeostasis) and why disruption of energy homeostasis (for example in obesity) is associated with hormonal problems such as infertility. Based on studies in animals, multiple hormones and neuropeptides (proteins that are produced and act on the brain) contribute to energy homeostasis, the development of obesity, resistance to weight loss and hormonal problems. The aim of the study is to measure the levels of hormones and neuropeptides in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF, liquid that bathes the brain and spinal cord) of people with obesity and different medical conditions and compare them with those of healthy, normal weight controls.
  Adults with genetic obesity, common obesity or medical problems associated with obesity as well as healthy, normal weight volunteers will be eligible for our study and asked to attend the Institute of Metabolic Science Translational Research Facility (TRF) located in the Cambridge Centre for Clinical Research (CCRC) at Addenbrooke’s Hospital (Cambridge) for a 2 hour long screening visit, and a 3 hour long main visit during which a lumbar puncture will be undertaken for collection of CSF. Separately, spare blood and CSF not needed for diagnostic purposes will be obtained from the Addenbrooke’s Hospital pathology services, belonging to children and adults undergoing lumbar punctures as part of routine clinical care and who have consented to their samples being used for research during the usual clinical consent procedure. By comparing the blood and CSF of these different cohorts, we hope to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms that regulate energy homeostasis and identify new targets for the treatment of obesity and hormonal conditions.

• REC name

  South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  26/SW/0033

• Date of REC Opinion

  17 Mar 2026

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion