Genetics, Obesity
Conditions
Keywords
Gliosis, Eating patterns
Brief summary
The goal of this research is to investigate genetic and environmental factors that contribute to obesity through brain inflammation. The main questions are 1) if identical twins, who differ in food consumption habits, have differences in adiposity markers and brain inflammation and 2) if signs of brain inflammation in response to a specific diet is modified by genetics.
Detailed description
In study 1, participant twin pairs that differ in habitual diet intake, will complete an in-person study visit that includes an MRI of the brain and abdomen, body composition measurement, a blood draw and questionnaires. In study 2, a different set of participant twin pairs will complete 3 in-person study visits over 2 weeks, during which all meals will be provided by the study. Visits will include brain MRI, body composition measurements, blood draws and questionnaires.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALDiet modification
Participants will be provided all meals for a 14-day period. For 7 of the days, meals will be 150% of estimated daily caloric needs and for the other 7 days, meals will be low in calories, consistent with recommendations for weight loss.
Sponsors
University of Washington
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
20 Years to 45 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* Age 20-45 years * Differs in habitual diet from co-twin (study 1). * Willing to undergo 7-day overfeeding and hypocaloric feeding periods (study 2) * Member of the Washington State Twin Registry
Exclusion criteria
* History of bariatric surgery or active participation in weight-loss program * Major medical or neurological disorder (e.g., diabetes, multiple sclerosis) * Known gallbladder disease, anemia, impaired thyroid, kidney or liver function or hypertriglyceridemia (\>350 mg/dl) (study 2) * Current use of weight-loss medications or other medications known to alter appetite (e.g., atypical anti-psychotics) * High levels of vigorous physical activity (\>300 min./week) * Pregnancy, menopause, or breastfeeding * Individuals with severe food allergies and dietary restrictions (e.g., vegan/vegetarian, gluten-free, others) (study 2) * Co-twin unwilling or unable to participate * MRI contraindication (e.g., implanted metal, claustrophobia) * Lifetime eating disorder * Current smoking or heavy alcohol use (≥ 2 drinks per day for females and ≥ 3 drinks per day for males) * BMI \> 45 kg/m2 (study 1) * BMI \> 35 kg/m2 (study 2) * Weight \> 350 pounds or determined to be safe by MRI tech (MRI limit) * Inability to participate in a controlled diet program (study 2) or undergo other study procedures * Non-English speaking-or-reading individuals
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Study 1: Hypothalamic Gliosis | at enrollment | T2 relaxation time as measured by brain MRI |
| Study 2: Hypothalamic Gliosis | 7 days of diet intervention | T2 relaxation time as measured by brain MRI |
Countries
United States
Contacts
CONTACTINTERACT Study
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOREllen Schur, MD, MS
University of Washington
Outcome results
None listed