The Effect of Brown Adipose Tissue Activation on Insulin Sensitivity in Humans

March 12, 2021 updated by: Labros Sidossis, Ph.D., Rutgers University
Recent findings document the presence of active brown adipose tissue (BAT) in humans. Cold exposure via adrenergic stimulation activates BAT, which combusts significant amounts of blood glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) to produce heat. Animal studies suggest that BAT activation improves insulin sensitivity. However, the effect of cold-induced BAT activation on insulin sensitivity and glucose kinetics in humans remains unknown. The investigators' central hypothesis is that cold-induced BAT activation increases whole body insulin sensitivity in humans via augmented plasma glucose and FFA clearance. The specific aims of this study are to define the effects of prolonged (8h) cold exposure BAT activation on: insulin sensitivity (Aim 1); lipolysis and plasma glucose and FFA kinetics (Aim 2); on thermoregulation (Aim 3). Moreover, the investigators plan to investigate for alternative ways, which can activate BAT including cold water ingestion, a single meal ingestion, and a single bout of moderate intensity exercise (Aim 4). For the cold exposure study, subjects will complete 3 trials: a) 8hrs of cold exposure at their individually determined shivering threshold; b) 8hrs of cold exposure at their individually determined shivering threshold plus propranolol; c) 8hrs in thermoneutral conditions (26 - 28°C). For the rest of the arms of subjects will complete two trials: cold or tepid water ingestion, a single meal ingestion or no food ingestion, and a single bout of moderate intensity exercise or no exercise.To study the above aims, the investigators will use positron emission tomography - computed tomography, hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp, infusion of stable isotopes, and tissue biopsies. The findings will illuminate the role of BAT on plasma substrate regulation and insulin sensitivity and may aid in the development of lifestyle recommendations and pharmacotherapy for the prevention and treatment of diabetes and insulin resistance.

Study Overview

Status

Status

Indicates the current recruitment status or the expanded access status.
Completed

Conditions

Conditions

The disease, disorder, syndrome, illness, or injury that is being studied. On ClinicalTrials.gov, conditions may also include other health-related issues, such as lifespan, quality of life, and health risks.

Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.

Study Type

Study Type

Describes the nature of a clinical study. Study types include interventional studies (also called clinical trials), observational studies (including patient registries), and expanded access.
Interventional

Enrollment (Actual)

Enrollment

The number of participants in a clinical study. The "anticipated" enrollment is the target number of participants that the researchers need for the study.
39

Phase

Phase

The stage of a clinical trial studying a drug or biological product, based on definitions developed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The phase is based on the study's objective, the number of participants, and other characteristics. There are five phases: Early Phase 1 (formerly listed as Phase 0), Phase 1, Phase 2, Phase 3, and Phase 4. Not Applicable is used to describe trials without FDA-defined phases, including trials of devices or behavioral interventions.
  • Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Texas
      • Galveston, Texas, United States, 77555
        • University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

The key requirements that people who want to participate in a clinical study must meet or the characteristics they must have. Eligibility criteria consist of both inclusion criteria (which are required for a person to participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (which prevent a person from participating). Types of eligibility criteria include whether a study accepts healthy volunteers, has age or age group requirements, or is limited by sex.

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years to 75 years (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • men or women
  • 18-75 years old
  • BMI 20-40 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

  • taking diabetes medications
  • liver/renal/endocrine/heart disease
  • obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal tract
  • impaired gag reflex or swallowing disorder
  • history of GI surgery or fenilization of esophagus
  • GI hypomotility disorder
  • cancer
  • thyroid or hormone replacement treatment
  • beta-blockers
  • anabolic or corticosteroids the last 6 mo
  • pregnant/lactating women
  • individuals that are likely to need PET/CT in the near future for medical reasons
  • bleeding disorders/ anemia
  • positive hepatitis or HIV screening
  • weight less than 36 kg
  • pacemaker or other implanted electromedical device
  • alcohol and drug abuse
  • tobacco use
  • impaired cognition
  • asthma
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other reactive airway diseases

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Basic Science
  • Allocation: Non-Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Single Group Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm

Participant Group / Arm

A group or subgroup of participants in a clinical trial that receives a specific intervention/treatment, or no intervention, according to the trial's protocol.
Intervention / Treatment

Intervention / Treatment

A process or action that is the focus of a clinical study. Interventions include drugs, medical devices, procedures, vaccines, and other products that are either investigational or already available. Interventions can also include noninvasive approaches, such as education or modifying diet and exercise.
Experimental: Cold water consumption
Subjects will participate in two trials as part of this protocol: a) cold water (4 °C) consumption and b) tepid (36 °C) water consumption
Other: Cold water consumption
Subjects will be asked to consume cold water (4 °C,10 ml/ kg body weight within 10 minutes)
Other: Tepid water consumption
Subjects will be asked to consume cold water (36 C,10 ml/ kg body weight within 10 minutes)
Experimental: Meal consumption
Subjects will participate in two trials as part of this protocol: a) High calorie meal consumption and two weeks later b) no meal consumption.
Other: Thermoneutral Conditions
Subjects will be exposed to thermoneutral conditions (26 - 28°C)
Other: Meal consumption
Subjects will be asked to consume a high calorie meal (12 kcal/kg, 50% carbohydrates, 30% fat, and 20% protein) within 15 minutes.
Experimental: Cold exposure
Participants will complete three studies: a) cold exposure study (above their individually determined shivering threshold ~ 16°C); b) Cold exposure plus 0.5mg/kg up to 40mg propranolol at the beginning of the metabolic study and again after 4-6 hrs; c) thermoneutral conditions (26 - 28°C).
Other: Thermoneutral Conditions
Subjects will be exposed to thermoneutral conditions (26 - 28°C)
Other: Cold exposure
For the cold exposure trial, the subjects will follow an individualized cold exposure protocol maximize the elicited non-shivering thermogenesis. Subjects will be wearing liquid conditioned garments (Polar Products Inc, Stow, OH). The temperature will initially be set at 18°C, then decreased at 1 degree celsius intervals thought the air- conditioned temperature control bath until subjects report shivering. Electromyography (EMG; Delsys, Bagnoli 8, Boston, MA) will be performed continuously to verify shivering muscle activity. Upon shivering, the temperature will be increased by 1degree Celsius intervals until shivering resides. Subjects' core temperature will be measured at 10-second intervals with the use of a telemetric pill (Core Temp Inc., Palmetto, FL).
Other: Cold exposure plus propranolol
For the cold exposure plus propanol trial, temperature will be titrated as previously described. The non-selective beta-adrenergic antagonist propranolol (0.5mg/kg and up to 40) will be given orally before the beginning of the study and again after 4-6 hours. In case participant's heart rate after propranolol administration decreases below 50 beats per min or systolic blood pressure below 90 mmHg second dose of propranolol will not be administered. Heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored continuously throughout the study. Propranolol doses up to 80 mg have been shown to significantly reduce fludeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in brown fat in clinical patients.
Experimental: Exercise
Subjects between 18 and 35 years old will be asked to participate in two trials: a) Exercise, i.e. four times for 10 min- at 85% VO2max (maximal oxygen consumption). with 15-min breaks between each bout b) and two weeks later rest.
Other: Thermoneutral Conditions
Subjects will be exposed to thermoneutral conditions (26 - 28°C)
Other: Exercise
Subject will be asked to complete four bouts of exercise for 10 min- at 85% of their maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) with 15-min breaks between each bout

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, the planned outcome measure that is the most important for evaluating the effect of an intervention/treatment. Most clinical studies have one primary outcome measure, but some have more than one.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Insulin Sensitivity
Time Frame: After 8hrs of cold exposure or thermoneutral conditions
Insulin sensitivity will be measured using the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic insulin clamp method
After 8hrs of cold exposure or thermoneutral conditions

Secondary Outcome Measures

Secondary Outcome Measures

In a clinical study's protocol, a planned outcome measure that is not as important as the primary outcome measure for evaluating the effect of an intervention but is still of interest. Most clinical studies have more than one secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Metabolic profile
Time Frame: During the 8hr trial or on the following day
Evaluation of metabolic profile will include measurement of various metabolites (glucose, triglycerides, very low-density (VLDL)-triglycerides, non-esterified fatty acids, lipoproteins, apo-B) and hormones (leptin, adiponectin, insulin, ghrelin).
During the 8hr trial or on the following day

Other Outcome Measures

Other Outcome Measures

For clinical trials, a planned measurement described in the protocol that is used to determine the effect of an intervention/treatment on participants. For observational studies, a measurement or observation that is used to describe patterns of diseases or traits, or associations with exposures, risk factors, or treatment. Types of outcome measures include primary outcome measure and secondary outcome measure.
Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Substrate kinetics
Time Frame: During the 8hr study
We will use a stable isotopes to assess substrate kinetics. Specifically, a primed, constant 4hr infusion of 6,6-D2-glucose to assess glucose kinetics; b) a constant 4hr infusion of potassium uniformly labelled with carbon 13 [U-13C16] palmitate to assess FFA kinetics (27, 28); and c) a primed, constant, 4hr infusion of [1,1,2,3,3-2H5]glycerol dissolved in 0.9% NaCl solution, to assess whole body lipolysis , and) a bolus of labeled with carbon13 sodium bicarbonate(NaHCO3) dissolved in 09% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution to assess substrate oxidation.
During the 8hr study
Thermoregulation
Time Frame: During the first 5-6 hrs of the cold exposure study
We will use a telemetric pill and wireless thermistors to monitor the body core and skin temperatures of the participants. Moreover, thermal sensation will be assessed using a visual analog scale of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Heart rate and blood pressure will be also measured to assess the cardiovascular response to cold exposure.
During the first 5-6 hrs of the cold exposure study

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

Sponsor

The organization or person who initiates the study and who has authority and control over the study.
Rutgers University

Investigators

Investigators

A researcher involved in a clinical study. Related terms include site principal investigator, site sub-investigator, study chair, study director, and study principal investigator.
  • Principal Investigator: Labros Sidossis, PhD, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Publications and helpful links

The person responsible for entering information about the study voluntarily provides these publications. These may be about anything related to the study.

General Publications

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

Study Start

The actual date on which the first participant was enrolled in a clinical study. The "anticipated" study start date is the date that the researchers think will be the study start date.
January 1, 2012

Primary Completion (Actual)

Primary Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention to collect final data for the primary outcome measure. Whether the clinical study ended according to the protocol or was terminated does not affect this date. For clinical studies with more than one primary outcome measure with different completion dates, this term refers to the date on which data collection is completed for all the primary outcome measures. The "anticipated" primary completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the primary completion date for the study.
December 30, 2018

Study Completion (Actual)

Study Completion

The date on which the last participant in a clinical study was examined or received an intervention/treatment to collect final data for the primary outcome measures, secondary outcome measures, and adverse events (that is, the last participant's last visit). The "anticipated" study completion date is the date that the researchers think will be the study completion date.
December 30, 2018

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

First Submitted

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submitted a study record to ClinicalTrials.gov. There is typically a delay of a few days between the first submitted date and the record's availability on ClinicalTrials.gov (the first posted date).
February 11, 2013

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The date on which the study sponsor or investigator first submits a study record that is consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. The sponsor or investigator may need to revise and submit a study record one or more times before NLM's QC review criteria are met. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
February 12, 2013

First Posted (Estimate)

First Posted

The date on which the study record was first available on ClinicalTrials.gov after National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review has concluded. There is typically a delay of a few days between the date the study sponsor or investigator submitted the study record and the first posted date.
February 13, 2013

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

Last Update Posted

The most recent date on which changes to a study record were made available on ClinicalTrials.gov. There may be a delay between when the changes were submitted to ClinicalTrials.gov by the study's sponsor or investigator (the last update submitted date) and the last update posted date.
March 16, 2021

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator submitted changes to a study record that are consistent with National Library of Medicine (NLM) quality control (QC) review criteria. It is the responsibility of the sponsor or investigator to ensure that the study record is consistent with the NLM QC review criteria.
March 12, 2021

Last Verified

Last Verified

The most recent date on which the study sponsor or investigator confirmed the information about a clinical study on ClinicalTrials.gov as accurate and current. If a study with a recruitment status of recruiting; not yet recruiting; or active, not recruiting has not been confirmed within the past 2 years, the study's recruitment status is shown as unknown.
January 1, 2019

More Information

Terms related to this study

Keywords

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

Other Study ID Numbers

Identifiers or ID numbers other than the NCT number that are assigned to a clinical study by the study's sponsor, funders, or others. These numbers may include unique identifiers from other trial registries and National Institutes of Health grant numbers.
  • 11-193

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