Inflammation, obesity and endothelial function

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Targeting systemic inflammation to improve endothelial function in obesity

• IRAS ID

  34468

• Contact name

  s b wheatcroft

• Sponsor organisation

  Leeds Teaching Hospital NHS Trust

• Eudract number

  2009-016855-23

• Research summary

  Obesity (defined as a body mass index of 30 or higher) increases the risk of health problems such as heart disease. However, the ways by which obesity leads to heart disease remain unclear. We have shown in previous studies that obesity leads to changes in the way blood vessels work, which can be detected using simple laboratory techniques. In the long-term, these changes can lead to cholesterol build up in the arteries, which increases the risk of future health problems like heart attacks or stroke. Recently, obesity has been linked with ??inflammation? a type of response the body usually generates to fight off infection. We have shown that obese people have increased markers of inflammation in the blood stream. It is not yet known, however, whether inflammation in people with obesity changes the way in which blood vessels work or increases risk of developing heart disease. We plan to test this question in this study by treating healthy obese volunteers with a drug which is known to reduce inflammation. We will look at the effects of treatment on blood vessel function using blood tests and simple ultrasound scans. A small sample of fat may be taken if participants go on to have weight-reducing surgery. The results will help to clarify why obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and will provide a background for future research to keep blood vessels healthy.

• REC name

  North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  10/H1005/5

• Date of REC Opinion

  2 Feb 2010

• REC opinion

  Further Information Favourable Opinion