Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is unique in its capability to convert chemical energy directly into heat. Active BAT increases energy expenditure and can thereby counteract obesity and insulin resistance. Currently, the imaging method of choice to assess BAT morphology and function is 18F-FDG-PET/CT which is expensive and exposes patients or healthy volunteers to ionizing radiation, thus impeding larger prospective studies. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could constitute a suitable alternative and preliminary small-scale studies are promising. The overall aim of this research proposal is to develop reliable magnetic resonance imaging techniques to facilitate the study of brown adipose tissue in human adults, specifically in the context of endocrine disease. Specifically, investigators want to 1. Develop a reliable MR imaging protocol for human BAT and compare BAT volume to cold induced nonshivering thermogenesis as a measure of BAT activity. 2. Assess the intra-individual variance of BAT volume measured by MRI. 3. Evaluate direct measurement of BAT temperature by functional MRI.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
26
University Hospital Basel, Department of Endocrinology
Basel, Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland
University Hospital of Basel, Department of Radiology
Basel, Canton of Basel-City, Switzerland
Correlation of scBAT volume and cold induced thermogenesis as determined by indirect calorimetry
measurement of scBAT volume and measurement of cold induced thermogenesis as determined by indirect calorimetry, both values measured in a timeframe of two weeks
Time frame: both measurements within 2 weeks
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