Systemic and White Adipose Tissue Inflammatory Profile in Lean Versus Obese Individuals

Systemic and White Adipose Tissue Inflammatory Profile in Lean Versus Obese Individuals

This study will compare the systemic and white adipose tissue inflammatory profile of individuals who are classified as lean and obese. Blood and white adipose tissue samples will be collected in the fasted state to assess inflammatory status.

There is evidence to suggest that markers of inflammation in the blood and white adipose tissue increase with increasing levels of obesity. However, the white adipose tissue total protein content and phosphorylation of proteins involved in inflammatory pathways has not previously been compared between lean and obese individuals.

The investigators hypothesise that obese individuals will have increased levels of inflammation in the blood and white adipose tissue, compared to their lean counterparts.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-40 years

• Waist circumference/BMI criteria:

  • Lean participants: waist circumference ≤94 cm (men) and 80 cm (women) and BMI ≥ 21.0 kg/m2 or
  • Obese participants: waist circumference ≥102 cm (men) and 88 cm (women) and BMI ≥ 30.0kg/m2

• Recreationally active (> 3 x 30 min moderate exercise per week)

• Blood pressure systolic blood pressure <160 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure <100 mmHg

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoker (including vaping)
• Cardiometabolic or inflammatory disease (e.g. heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes)
• Taking medication or nutritional supplements (e.g. fish oil/prebiotics) known to interfere with study outcomes (including inflammation, immune function or lipid/carbohydrate metabolism) or prescribed antibiotics within the last 3 months
• Unstable weight history (≥ 3kg loss or gain in previous 3 months)
• An allergy to lidocaine (determined by the Schools standard health questionnaire)
• Parallel participation in another intervention study
• Women who are pregnant or lactating
• Any other unusual medical history or diet and lifestyle habits or practices that would preclude volunteers from participating in a metabolic study
• Alcohol consumption >28 units per week for a man or >21 units per week for a woman