Using cold exposure to activate brown fat and reduce liver fat

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of cold exposure on brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation in overweight and obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research aims to determine if recruiting BAT through cold acclimation can lead to a decrease in hepatic lipid content. Participants will undergo recurrent cooling sessions to assess changes in BAT size and activity, as well as improvements in metabolic health markers. The study focuses on the relationship between BAT and liver fat accumulation, which is critical for addressing the rising prevalence of NAFLD.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* body mass index 28 - 40 kg/m\^2
* hepatic lipid content \> 10 %

Exclusion Criteria:

* endocrine disease, except treated hypo-/hyperthyroidism and hypertriglyceridemia (\<500 mg/dl) and untreated type II diabetes mellitus (fasting glucose \< 140 mg/dl)
* use of beta-blockers, alpha-blockers and rilmenidine
* chronic kidney disease
* inflammatory bowel disease
* active malignant disease
* autoimmune disease
* chronic alcohol abuse or alcohol consumption greater than 30g/d for men or 20 g/d for women
* transferrin saturation \> 40%
* serum alpha-1 antitrypsin \< 90 mg/dl
* serum ceruloplasmin \< 20 mg/dl
* positive serology for autoimmune hepatitis
* positive hepatitis serology
* liver cirrhosis
* portal hypertension
* pregnancy
* contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging

Where it's running

• Medical University of Vienna
  Vienna, Austria Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Florian Kiefer, MD, PhD — Medical University of Vienna
• Study coordinator: Florian Kiefer, MD, PhD
• Email: florian.kiefer@meduniwien.ac.at
• Phone: +43140400

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.