CB1 Receptors in Human Brown Adipose Tissue — CANBAT  

Obesity Clinical Trial

Official title: Cannabinoid CB1 Receptors in Human Brown Adipose Tissue

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This study investigates cannabinoid CB1 receptors in human brown adipose tissue (BAT) and other tissues using positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Subjects will be scanned in room temperature conditions and during controlled cold exposure, and the density of CB1 receptors in BAT and other tissues will be quantified. The investigators hypothesize, that cannabinoid signaling is increased in cold conditions, when BAT is metabolically active.

Understanding the mechanisms of BAT activation and the role of endocannabinoids in humans is important and beneficial in fighting against the epidemic of obesity and diabetes.

Clinical Trial Description

Endocannabinoids have an important role in regulating energy balance and metabolism. Cannabinoid 1 receptors (CB1) are found in several tissues such as brown adipose tissue (BAT). Endocannabinoids and CB1 receptors participate in the control of lipid and glucose metabolism, and blockage of CB1 receptors has been found to improve metabolic factors linked to obesity and cardiovascular disease, making CB1 antagonists potential drugs against obesity and diabetes.

In this study the investigators use a PET radiotracer [18F]FMPEP-d2, which binds to CB1 receptors in vivo, to quantify the CB1 receptor density in BAT, white adipose tissue, muscle and the brain. This study is done once in warm conditions and once during controlled cold exposure. To verify whether the subject has metabolically active BAT, an additional PET scan with the radiotracer [18F]FDG is performed. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Obesity

• NCT number: NCT02941172
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Turku University Hospital
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: January 2015
• Completion date: December 30, 2017