Actively Recruiting
Effect of Caffeine on Cold-stimulated Brown Adipose Tissue Activity
Led by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · Updated on 2026-01-23
12
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
30 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating how caffeine affects the activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) after exposure to mild cold. This study explores the role of adenosine A2A receptors in BAT activation, which is important for understanding potential treatments for metabolic diseases. The trial is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study involving healthy adults aged 18 to 40 years with moderate caffeine consumption. Participants will take a single oral dose of 200 mg caffeine or a placebo in two separate visits. After administration, they will undergo mild cold exposure using cooling sleeves around the waist that lower the skin temperature to 10°C or the lowest tolerable level without causing shivering. BAT activity will be measured using 18F-FDG PET/CT scans 30 minutes after injection of a radioactive tracer. Resting energy expenditure will also be assessed before and after treatment and cold exposure. During the study, participants will attend a screening visit and two main study visits in random order. Researchers will monitor energy expenditure, BAT activity, skin temperature, metabolite profiles, and other factors to evaluate the effects of caffeine versus placebo during cold exposure. The primary outcome is BAT uptake measured 30 minutes after intervention. The total participation period includes these visits and assessments, with safety and compliance closely followed.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Effect of Caffeine on Cold-stimulated Brown Adipose Tissue Activity
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- BMI between 18.5 and 25 kg/m2
- Able to give informed consent by signing
- Moderate caffeine consumption (1 to 3 cups of coffee per day)
- Increase of energy expenditure by at least 5% in response to mild cold
- Age between 18 and 40 years
You will not qualify if you...
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to caffeine
- Use of medications other than over-the-counter pain relievers and oral contraceptives
- Significant medical conditions such as kidney, liver, heart diseases, arrhythmias, hypertension, diabetes, or thyroid disorders
- History of depression or anxiety disorders
- Smoking or regular tobacco use
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Regular intake of caffeine-containing energy drinks
- Weight change greater than 5% in the last 3 months
- High blood pressure (systolic >140 mmHg or diastolic >95 mmHg)
- Resting heart rate over 90 beats per minute
- Sensitivity to cold (e.g., Raynaud syndrome)
- Known or suspected drug or alcohol abuse
- Inability to follow study procedures due to language, psychological, or cognitive issues
- Investigator or related persons involved in the study
- Participation in another study involving ionizing radiation within 12 months
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Each visit lasts 1 day; two visits total in random order
Participants receive a single oral dose of caffeine or placebo before mild cold exposure. Resting energy expenditure and brown adipose tissue activity are measured during two separate study visits in random order.
2 in-person visits (Study Visit A and Study Visit B)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University Hospital Basel, Department of Endocrinology
Basel, Switzerland, 4031
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Matthias Betz, Prof.
J
Jaël Senn, MD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
TRIPLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
2
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