OxiCort
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Glucocorticoid-dependent regulation of adipose tissue thermogenesis and oxidative metabolism
IRAS ID
151391
Contact name
Konstantinos Manolopoulos
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
ERN_14-0032, University of Birmingham Ethics SAF; 1406, Wellcome Trust CRF study number; RRK5087, UHB R7D number
Research summary
Humans have two types of fat tissue, the so-called white and brown adipose tissue. Very recently, the latter has been implicated as a potential anti-obesity target, because instead of storing energy, it can burn it at high rates. However, we know very little about the factors that influence brown adipose tissue activity and whether it is possible to turn white into a brown-like fat, helping burn excess calories. Glucocorticoids are hormones that play a very important role in energy metabolism, but known to inhibit brown fat activity and also the potential to turn white into brown-like fat in studies using rodents.
In this research, we will investigate the role of glucocorticoids in human brown fat activity, by stimulating brown fat with isoprenaline (a so-called beta-adrenergic agonist known to activate brown fat), and recording its activity with a special thermal imaging camera in healthy volunteers who will have received either a glucocorticoid infusion (to elevate their levels) or a control infusion (salty water). At the same time, we will measure oxygen consumption in white fat using a range of special techniques. Oxygen consumption is a marker of mitochondrial activity, which is an important determinant of the white-to-brown fat conversion process.
Overall, the research will improve our understanding of white and brown fat function, shaping future research into potential treatments for obesity.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/WM/1085
Date of REC Opinion
2 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion