How belly (upper-body) obesity changes release of free fatty acids
FFA Metabolism in Different Types of Human Obesity
This project looks at how upper-body (belly) fat causes higher free fatty acids and insulin problems in adults with obesity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178719 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers compare people with upper-body/visceral obesity to insulin-sensitive adults to see how fat tissue releases free fatty acids. Participants undergo regional blood sampling and controlled infusions to measure how well insulin and niacin suppress lipolysis and how lipolysis is stimulated by hormones. Fat tissue and cells will be analyzed for proteins that control fat breakdown, and the ratio of free fatty acids to glycerol will be measured to estimate intracellular reesterification. Most procedures take place at the clinic and may include blood draws, hormone infusions, and local fat sampling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with abdominal/visceral (upper-body) obesity, with or without type 2 diabetes, who are medically stable and able to attend visits at Mayo Clinic Rochester are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without central/abdominal obesity or whose metabolic problems are unrelated to fatty acid release are unlikely to find direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to reduce harmful fatty acid release from belly fat and lower the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous human studies have linked visceral fat to higher circulating free fatty acids and insulin resistance and have shown that hormones and drugs like niacin affect lipolysis, so this builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jensen, Michael D. — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Jensen, Michael D.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.