Epigenetic Regulation of Human Adipose Tissue Distribution

A DEXA scan for body composition will also be completed. After a MRI safety screening a whole body MRI for the volumetric measurement of visceral fat, subcutaneous fat, liver, kidneys, heart, brain, skeletal muscle and intramuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) and hepatic lipid by MRS will be performed. Whole body imaging will include low resolution positioning images, followed by several sets of 3D images which will be digitally connected to create a 3D image the entire length of the body. The liver spectroscopy will be performed using PRESS (point resolved spectroscopy) and STEAM (Stimulated Echo Acquisition Mode) sequence during the same imaging session, using the whole body images for positioning.

Two biopsies will be performed to collect fat tissue from the abdomen and thigh region.

Insertion of two intravenous (IV) catheters for performing a Frequently Sampled Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test (FSIGTT) to measure the acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg) and insulin sensitivity (Si) will be performed. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) will be used to measure metabolic flexibility. Point of care blood glucose measurements will be taken frequently to ensure safety.