Harnessing Macrophage Lysosomal Lipid Metabolism in Obesity
The goal of this study is to evaluate the role of transcription factor EB (TFEB) in adipose (fat) tissue macrophages (ATM) in regulating adipose tissue and systemic metabolic function in obesity. The investigators will assess the differences in ATM lipid metabolism in people with metabolically abnormal obesity and lean individuals. Both groups will have: * screening visit * imaging (body composition testing - dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, magnetic resonance imaging \[MRI\] and magnetic resonance…
Conditions studied
Obesity, Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver, Diabetes Type 2, Healthy
About this study
The goal of this study is to evaluate the role of transcription factor EB (TFEB) in adipose (fat) tissue macrophages (ATM) in regulating adipose tissue and systemic metabolic function in obesity. The investigators will assess the differences in ATM lipid metabolism in people with metabolically abnormal obesity and lean individuals. Both groups will have: * screening visit * imaging (body composition testing - dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, magnetic resonance imaging \[MRI\] and magnetic resonance spectroscopy \[MRS\] scans) * Overnight visit with intravenous infusion (IV), muscle, and fat tissue biopsies Participants with obesity will complete meetings with study team members for a weight loss intervention to achieve a 10% body weight loss.
Interventions
- Other: Dietary consultation weight loss intervention — Participants will meet with a member of the study team biweekly for about 6 months.
Primary outcomes
- Insulin sensitivity assessed as insulin-mediated glucose disposal during a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp procedure. (up to 6 months after the intervention)
- 24-hour plasma glucose concentration (up to 6 months after the intervention)
- Macrophage isolation in adipose tissue biopsy (up to 6 months after the intervention)
- Macrophage isolation in skeletal muscle tissue (up to 6 months after the intervention)
Eligibility information
Study locations
- University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri 65212 United States
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-09-27.