Investigating brown fat activity in cold-exposed Inuit populations
Metabolic Effects of Short-term Cold Exposure Among Greenlanders and Non-Greenlanders
This study is testing how cold exposure affects brown fat activity in people from Denmark and Greenland to see if it can help with weight loss and better health.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 25 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Aalborg University Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Aalborg) |
| Trial ID | NCT05884177 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in individuals of Danish and Greenlandic origin through short-term cold exposure. By utilizing FDG-PET/CT scans, the study will visualize BAT activity and assess its relationship with genetic and physiological characteristics. The research focuses on understanding how cold exposure influences BAT and its potential role in combating obesity and improving metabolic health. Participants will be monitored before and after exposure to cold to gather data on BAT function and differentiation.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals of Danish and Greenlandic descent who can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or those on specific medications may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into new strategies for obesity management and metabolic health improvement.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on BAT, this approach focusing on cold exposure in Inuit populations is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Ability to give informed consent * Ability to follow written and verbal instructions Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy and breastfeeding * Alpha- or beta-adrenergic affecting medication. * Thyroid dysfunction * Liver or kidney disease * Treatment for diabetes * MODY and TBC1D4 * Treatment of obesity * Cardiovascular disease * Cancer within 3 years * Mb Renaud * Hospitalisation for psychiatric disease * Antipsychotic medication * Drug abuse within 1-year * Alcohol abuse * Plasma glucose \> 11 mM * BMI \>35 kg/m2 * Winter swimmer
Where this trial is running
Aalborg
- Aalborg University Hospital — Aalborg, Denmark (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Mette MM Jensen, MD
- Email: mette.malene@rn.dk
- Phone: +4597660000
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.