Optimizing fMRI Imaging of the Hypothalamus and Brainstem
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Optimizing fMRI Imaging of the Areas of Interest within the Hypothalamus and Brainstem involved in Homeostatic Appetite Control
IRAS ID
346305
Contact name
Tricia Tan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London Research Governance and Integrity Team
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 2 months, 31 days
Research summary
Obesity represents a major cost to the NHS as well as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. However, only a small proportion of the eligible obese population has access to bariatric surgery, and some do not achieve successful weight loss. It is therefore important to understand underlying mechanisms to successful weight loss which may translate to improved pharmacotherapy for weight loss.
fMRI is a useful tool to understand the relationship between the key appetite centres such as the hypothalamus and energy balance. Previous functional brain imaging studies have shown activation of appetite- and reward-associated cortical areas such as the insula, amygdala, putamen, and orbitofrontal cortex on functional MRI (fMRI) to be reduced in RYGB subjects compared to weight-matched controls. We have also previously shown divergent brain activation patterns on fMRI, following matched weight loss with RYGB compared to VLCD. These studies have used techniques from 10-15 years ago which were low resolution and unable to image small areas of interest such as the hypothalamus accurately. In addition, imaging of areas of interest in the brainstem was not possible because of the location of the areas and their small size.
In this study, we intend to use a blood-oxygen level dependent (BOLD) fMRI method, utilising a new protocol that takes advantage of technical advancements over the last 10 years to allow for high-resolution functional imaging of the hypothalamus and brainstem.
Optimisation of this technique will allow its application in downstream studies exploring brain activation between “responders” and “non-responders” with regards to effective weight loss after bariatric surgery and in understanding the effects of gut hormones on appetite centres in obesity and in cachexia. This will potentially highlight new relationships between the appetite centres and energy balance, which may be targeted in the development of new or improved pharmacotherapy.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0015
Date of REC Opinion
23 Jan 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion