A promising approach to correct the metabolic dysfunction associated with obesity is to activate brown fat non-shivering thermogenesis (NST). A critical limitation with NST as a therapeutic option, however, is that this beneficial process is silenced under human physiological temperature conditions and the mechanisms of how this occurs is unknown. This study will be the first to identify human NST silencing factors that may be targeted for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 35 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Age between 18 years old and 35
. Lean group: BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. HgA1c \<5.7%
. Obese group: BMI is \>30, HgA1c \<5.7%
. Obese group with Type II diabetes: BMI is \>30, HgA1c is \>6.5% If on oral medication for diabetes management, HgA1c may be \< 6.5% The following medications are also acceptable: statins, aspirin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB).
Exclusion criteria
. Diabetes type I (self-report)
. Diagnosis of thyroid disease (including goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis)(self-report)
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Identification of adipose tissue transcriptome
Timeframe: Before and after 3-hour rewarming period.
2
Identification of cold and warm-regulated proteome.
Timeframe: Before and after 3 hour cold exposure period and before and after 3 hour rewarming period.
3
Identification of cold and warm-regulated metabolome.
Timeframe: Time frame will be before and after 3 hour cold exposure period as well as before and after 3 hour rewarming period.
. Diagnosis with cancer including skin cancer (self-report)
. Diagnosis or evidence of Raynaud's Syndrome or systemic sclerosis (self-report)
. A recent diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (last 2 weeks) or hospitalized at the time of diagnosis with COVID-19
. Any vaccine administration within two weeks preceding the study procedure
. Currently pregnant
. Currently taking any prescribed medication other than oral contraceptives. Treatments for weight loss or any other supplements that may alter weight or metabolism are not acceptable. Vitamins are acceptable.