Understanding how human fat and muscle affect metabolism
Official title: The Molecular, Cellular, and Genetic Characterization of Human Adipose Tissue and Its Role in Metabolism
Run by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT02692885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to understand how fat and muscle in our bodies affect how we use energy, especially to see if brown fat can help fight obesity and related health issues.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 300 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 1 site (Bethesda, Maryland) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 22, 2016 |
| Main results expected | October 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT02692885 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for clinically-indicated surgical procedures at the NIH Clinical Center.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are pregnant or have a history of certain medical conditions or metallic implants may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and muscle in metabolism, particularly how they store and utilize energy. Researchers will collect tissue samples from adults undergoing planned surgeries at the NIH Clinical Center to analyze the physiological and genetic characteristics of these tissues. The study seeks to uncover the mechanisms by which BAT may help combat obesity and related metabolic diseases, potentially leading to new treatment strategies. Participants will not need to make additional visits to the NIH, as samples will be collected during their scheduled surgeries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for obesity and metabolic diseases by enhancing our understanding of how brown fat functions.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of brown adipose tissue in metabolism is a relatively novel area of research, preliminary studies have shown promising results in understanding its potential benefits.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR SUBJECTS UNDERGOING SURGERY (COHORT 1) INCLUSION CRITERIA: * Male or female * Any ethnicity * 18 years or older * Subject undergoing planned, clinically-indicated surgical procedure at the NIH Clinical Center in which tissue will be accessible and available for collection by the Operating Surgeon. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Inability to provide consent. * Pregnancy INCLUSION/EXCLUSION CRITERIA FOR ALL OTHER SUBJECTS (HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS AND NON-SURGICAL PATIENTS (COHORT 2): INCLUSION CRITERIA: * Male or female * Any ethnicity * 18-80 year * For supraclavicular or dorsocervical adipose biopsy: 18F-FDG PET/CT Scan images available in the CRC PACS system (performed as part of separate protocol) EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * History of keloids. * Currently taking blood thinning or anti-inflammatory medications including anti-platelet or antithrombotic medications. * Pregnancy * History of pacemaker, metallic heart valves, aneurysm clip, pedicle screws, metallic foreign body in eye, or other metallic implant only if using fusion technology for the biopsy procedure. * Psychological conditions including (but not limited to) clinical depression, bipolar disorders, or forms of mental incapacity that would be incompatible with safe and successful participation in this study. * Addiction to alcohol or substances of abuse within the last 5 years; current use of drugs or alcohol (CAGE greater than or equal to 2). * Inability to provide consent. All subjects will be fully informed of the aims, nature, and risks of the study prior to giving written informed consent.
Where it's running
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aaron M Cypess, M.D. — National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
- Study coordinator: Ashley M Schmitz, C.R.N.P.
- Email: ashley.schmitz@nih.gov
- Phone: (920) 948-1186
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.