Neuroendocrine mechanisms controlling cold-induced BAT activity

Project Description:

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation has been shown to correct hyperlipidemia and improves insulin resistance in mice. BAT has been shown to be also present in healthy, adult humans and can be activated by cold exposure in vivo. Previously we were able to show distinct improvement in glucose homeostasis and fatty acid profiles upon BAT activation in normal-weight and obese men (JCEM 2017,102: 4226-4234). Since BAT activation is mediated by sympathetic nervous system and neuroendocrine stress axes (J Mol Endo 2017,58: 57-66), this project aims at characterizing and modulating these central nervous and peripheral pathways of cold-induced BAT activation in healthy humans. 

Experimental Methods:

Experimental protocols to activate BAT by moderate cold in human participants have been established in our groups during previous studies (JCEM 2017;). Moreover, our groups have long-standing experience in evaluating neuroendocrine control of human glucose homeostasis (JCEM 2007;92:3044-3051) as well as autonomous nervous system activity (JCEM 2010;95:1998-2002) by gold standard techniques. 

This project will provide thesis projects for one doctoral researcher and one medical student. 

Achievements

Best Speaker Award at YARE 2019
Beatrice Bertozzi: Small but repeated doses of intranasal insulin improve postprandial levels of glucose and ghrelin without changing peripheral insulin in healthy men