Actively Recruiting
The Physiology of Human Brown Adipose Tissue
Led by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · Updated on 2025-10-31
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
B
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
J
Joslin Diabetes Center
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying brown fat, a type of fat found in both children and adults that produces heat and helps regulate metabolism and energy use. This study aims to understand differences between brown fat and the more common white fat, to help develop new ways to improve metabolism and address metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes. The study will analyze fat tissue at the cellular level using advanced imaging and RNA sequencing techniques. Participants undergoing planned abdominal or other surgeries will have samples of their fat tissue collected during these procedures. Fat will be taken from various body areas depending on the surgery, including neck, supraclavicular, perinephric, omental, and paraspinal fat. Blood samples will also be collected to measure markers related to fat function and metabolism. The collected tissues and blood will be analyzed for genetic and metabolic characteristics. Participants will be evaluated through tissue biopsies and blood tests taken during their clinical procedures. Researchers will measure insulin resistance, blood sugar levels, body mass index, and other demographic and biological markers to study fat tissue differences. The data will contribute to a larger Human Cell Atlas project. The study involves healthy adults aged 18 to 75 years, with a total participation time linked to their scheduled clinical procedures.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
The Physiology of Human Brown Adipose Tissue
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Healthy adults between 18 and 75 years old
- Undergoing a planned clinical procedure at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Willing and able to provide informed consent and follow study procedures
You will not qualify if you...
- Body mass index (BMI) 40 kg/m2 or higher
- History of infection with fever or requiring antibiotics within 4 weeks
- Diagnosed diabetes or hemoglobin A1c 6.5% or higher
- Use of corticosteroids or medications causing insulin resistance within 6 weeks
- Chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5
- Liver disease with elevated liver enzymes or impaired function
- Active cancer except certain skin cancers
- Bleeding disorders or low platelet count
- Current addiction to alcohol or substances
- Mental incapacity or language barriers preventing cooperation
- Use of investigational drugs within 30 days
- Special vulnerable populations such as children, pregnant women, prisoners, or institutionalized individuals are excluded
- Children are not eligible as the study focuses on adult brown adipose tissue
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - Day of surgery
Participants undergo scheduled clinical procedures during which fat tissue samples are collected for laboratory analysis.
1 visit (in-person, during surgery)
Duration - Day of surgery or during preoperative testing
Participants provide blood samples in the fasting state for measurement of adipose functional markers, insulin resistance, and genetic analysis.
1 visit (in-person, preoperative or day of surgery)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02215
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Mary Elizabeth Patti, MD
A
Amanda L Sheehan, MSN
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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