Thermogenic Silencer Regulatory Factors in Humans

A promising approach to correct the metabolic dysfunction associated with obesity is to activate brown fat non-shivering thermogenesis (NST). A critical limitation with NST as a therapeutic option, however, is that this beneficial process is silenced under human physiological temperature conditions and the mechanisms of how this occurs is unknown. This study will be the first to identify human NST silencing factors that may be targeted for the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age between 18 years old and 35 2. Lean group: BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. HgA1c \30, HgA1c \30, HgA1c is \>6.5% If on oral medication for diabetes management, HgA1c may be \< 6.5% The following medications are also acceptable: statins, aspirin, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB). Exclusion Criteria: 1. Diabetes type I (self-report) 2. Diagnosis of thyroid disease (including goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis)(self-report) 3. Diagnosis with cancer including skin cancer (self-report) 4. Diagnosis or evidence of Raynaud's Syndrome or systemic sclerosis (self-report) 5. A recent diagnosis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) (last 2 weeks) or hospitalized at the time of diagnosis with COVID-19 6. Any vaccine administration within two weeks preceding the study procedure 7. Currently pregnant 8. Currently taking any prescribed medication other than oral contraceptives. Treatments for weight loss or any other supplements that may alter weight or metabolism are not acceptable. Vitamins are acceptable. 9. Has consumed nicotine (smoking, inhaling, ingesting) within the last 6 months 10. Has used illicit drugs within the last 6 months (marijuana users are eligible unless consumed in the last 30 days). 11. Any medical, psychological, or social condition that, in opinion of principle investigators, would jeopardize the health or well-being of the participant during the study procedure or the integrity of the data 12. Diabetes Type II that is managed by insulin. 13. Steroid use in the last 30 days to the exclusions