Investigation of molecular mechanisms in obesity and weight loss.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigation of molecular mechanisms in obesity and weight loss.
IRAS ID
123218
Contact name
Jaspal S Kooner
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Imperial College London
Research summary
IMPORTANCE – More than 1 in 4 adults in the UK are affected by obesity. People with obesity are at high risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, cancer and dementia, and have shorter life expectancy. Some individuals are more susceptible to obesity, and conditions related to obesity, than others but the reasons for this are not well understood.
Genes are inherited segments of DNA that are responsible for the differences in characteristics observed between people. Epigenetic markers are switches that turn genes on and off. These switches may have an important role in the development of obesity, as well as conditions related to obesity. We plan to investigate whether people with severe obesity have changes in epigenetic switches that favour obesity or conditions related to obesity, and whether these switches are altered after weight loss surgery. A better understanding of the causes and consequences of obesity may help in the development of new ways to reduce the burden of obesity.
STUDY DESIGN – We will study 500 people with severe obesity scheduled for weight loss surgery and 500 people with normal weight scheduled for other types of surgery. In both groups we will collect white blood cells and body fat tissue at the time of surgery and six months after surgery. We will measure epigenetic markers in white blood cells and fat tissue from these people. Epigenetic markers will be compared in severely obese and normal weight individuals to identify markers that may be switched on or off in obesity. We will then assess whether these markers are changed in severely obese individuals after weight loss surgery. Lastly, we will analyse the relationship of these markers with conditions related to obesity, and whether changes in these markers alter gene activity.
REC name
London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/0477
Date of REC Opinion
23 May 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion