AdipO2 – Body fat distribution and diabetes risk: the role of adipose tissue oxygen metabolism

Summary

Fat tissue plays an important role in human metabolism as it stores energy derived from meals. However, fat accumulation as seen in obesity is associated with cardiovascular disease and the development of diabetes, and is also linked to inflammation. In this research project, we will study the relationship between fat tissue oxygen metabolism  (an  important  metabolic  factor)  and  inflammation  in  lean  and  obese  subjects.  We  wish  to  explore the mechanisms  by which oxygen  affects  abdominal and  thigh  fat  function  including  nutrient  handling  and  the production of inflammatory factors, since a deeper understanding of these mechanisms could pave the way for future treatments of obesity complications. We will conduct an in vivo physiology study in healthy lean and obese postmenopausal female volunteers that will allow us to study fat tissue function under near-normal conditions. The in vivo study involves taking blood samples from veins specifically draining fat tissue before and after a standardised high-fat meal, alongside measurements of fat tissue blood flow. These measurements are supplemented with extensive lab-based characterisation of fat tissue from biopsies taken during the in vivo study.