Detecting brown fat using MRI imaging
Assessment of MRI Accuracy for the Detection of Brown Adipose Tissue Using 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose Fluorodeoxyglucose -PET as a Gold Standard
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT02237872
This study is testing if a special MRI scan can help find brown fat in healthy adults to better understand its role in weight and energy balance.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (other) |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Chapel Hill, North Carolina and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT02237872 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of conventional fat fraction proton MRI in identifying brown adipose tissue (BAT) in healthy adults, using PET imaging as the gold standard. Participants will undergo combined MRI and PET scans while exposed to mild cold to stimulate thermogenic activity. The research focuses on addressing the challenges of detecting BAT, which is believed to play a crucial role in energy balance and obesity. By accurately measuring BAT volume, the study seeks to enhance understanding of obesity mechanisms and potential treatment targets.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults with a BMI less than 34 who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients who are under 18, have severe claustrophobia, or have conditions that contraindicate MRI will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved methods for detecting brown fat, potentially aiding in obesity management and treatment.
How similar studies have performed: While the detection of brown adipose tissue is a relatively novel area of research, similar imaging approaches have shown promise in other studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Each subject must be fully informed and have signed consent. * BMI \< 34 * Normal neurological and psychological development / able to give consent * Willingness to participate in this study Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects less than 18 years of age * Severe claustrophobia * Women who are pregnant, nursing an infant or planning to become pregnant in the next 30 days * People who have a condition that makes MRI unsafe for them (for example, cardiac pacemaker, epicardial pacemaker leads, cochlear implants, metal aneurysm clip, iron filings in your eyes or metal halo devices) * Have had radiation therapy or chemotherapy in the 2 months prior to PET scan * Subjects are taking medications that may interfere with BAT detection
Where this trial is running
Chapel Hill, North Carolina and 1 other locations
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (RECRUITING)
- Biomedical Research Imaging Center — Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rosa Tamara Branca, PhD — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Kristine Baluyot
- Email: kristine_baluyot@med.unc.edu
- Phone: (919) 843-5420
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Obesity, Brown Adipose Tissue