The Autonomic Nervous System and Obesity
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | High Blood Pressure (Hypertension), Obesity Weight Loss, Other Indications, Cardiology, Neurology |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Cardiology / Vascular Diseases, Endocrinology, Neurology, Other |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | 18 - 80 |
| Updated: | 4/17/2018 |
| Start Date: | April 2003 |
| End Date: | January 2017 |
In its simplest terms, obesity is the results of a positive balance between food intake and
energy expenditure (EE). I.e., we take in more energy, in the form of food, than we expend,
e.g., by exercise. In our sedentary society, resting EE accounts for most of total energy
expenditure. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS, the one that produces adrenaline) is
thought to contribute to resting EE. This conclusion is based on experiments where resting EE
is decreased by beta-blockers, high blood pressure medicines that block only one aspect of
the sympathetic nervous system. The investigators propose to use a different approach, by
using a medication called trimethaphan that produces transient withdrawal of the autonomic
nervous system. The investigators will then compare the measured resting EE before and after
SNS withdraw and quantify the degree of contribution to the resting EE by the SNS and
delineate differences between healthy normal, healthy obese, and patients with autonomic
dysfunctions.
energy expenditure (EE). I.e., we take in more energy, in the form of food, than we expend,
e.g., by exercise. In our sedentary society, resting EE accounts for most of total energy
expenditure. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS, the one that produces adrenaline) is
thought to contribute to resting EE. This conclusion is based on experiments where resting EE
is decreased by beta-blockers, high blood pressure medicines that block only one aspect of
the sympathetic nervous system. The investigators propose to use a different approach, by
using a medication called trimethaphan that produces transient withdrawal of the autonomic
nervous system. The investigators will then compare the measured resting EE before and after
SNS withdraw and quantify the degree of contribution to the resting EE by the SNS and
delineate differences between healthy normal, healthy obese, and patients with autonomic
dysfunctions.
The rationale for this study is that even small alterations to energy metabolism can
significantly change energy balance and body weight in the long term. We will test the
hypothesis that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity contributes to resting and
thermogenic components of energy expenditure (EE).
This study is divided in four different parts: (1), (2), (3), (4).
Part (1): we will gauge the contribution of the sympathetic nervous system to resting energy
expenditure, blood pressure, and determine differences between lean, obese, and patients with
primary autonomic failure .
Part (2): we will determine the degree of sympathetic blockade by a gradual infusion of the
ganglionic blocker trimethaphan.[Part 2 has been closed]
Part (3): we will determine the energy balance in patients with primary autonomic failure.
Part (4): we will determine the contribution of the sympathetic nervous system to
lipolysis.[Part 4 has been closed]
Subjects selections*:
For part (1) and (2) we will study six groups of subjects (n = 40 for each group): patients
with pure autonomic failure, patients with multiple system atrophy, healthy normal controls
(BMI <= 25), obese controls (BMI 30-40) and obese hypertensive (BMI 30-40) and lean
hypertensive (BMI 20-28). A time interval of at least 1 week is required for those subjects
who wish to participate in part (1) and part (2). For part (3) we will study two groups of
subjects (n=12 for each group): patients with autonomic failure, and their age sex-matched
sedentary, healthy controls. For part (4) we will study two groups of subjects (n=12 for each
group): healthy normal controls (BMI 20-25), obese controls (BMI 30-40).
*Part 2 and 4 have been closed.
significantly change energy balance and body weight in the long term. We will test the
hypothesis that the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity contributes to resting and
thermogenic components of energy expenditure (EE).
This study is divided in four different parts: (1), (2), (3), (4).
Part (1): we will gauge the contribution of the sympathetic nervous system to resting energy
expenditure, blood pressure, and determine differences between lean, obese, and patients with
primary autonomic failure .
Part (2): we will determine the degree of sympathetic blockade by a gradual infusion of the
ganglionic blocker trimethaphan.[Part 2 has been closed]
Part (3): we will determine the energy balance in patients with primary autonomic failure.
Part (4): we will determine the contribution of the sympathetic nervous system to
lipolysis.[Part 4 has been closed]
Subjects selections*:
For part (1) and (2) we will study six groups of subjects (n = 40 for each group): patients
with pure autonomic failure, patients with multiple system atrophy, healthy normal controls
(BMI <= 25), obese controls (BMI 30-40) and obese hypertensive (BMI 30-40) and lean
hypertensive (BMI 20-28). A time interval of at least 1 week is required for those subjects
who wish to participate in part (1) and part (2). For part (3) we will study two groups of
subjects (n=12 for each group): patients with autonomic failure, and their age sex-matched
sedentary, healthy controls. For part (4) we will study two groups of subjects (n=12 for each
group): healthy normal controls (BMI 20-25), obese controls (BMI 30-40).
*Part 2 and 4 have been closed.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Healthy normal (BMI <= 25 Kg/m2), obese (BMI between 30 and 40)volunteers, lean
hypertensive (BMI 20-28 Kg/m2), and obese hypertensive (BMI between 30 and 40)
- Ages 18-60
- Patients with pure autonomic failure and multiple system atrophy ages 18-80, referred
to our service for the diagnosis and treatment of their condition, and their age
sex-matched sedentary, healthy controls ages 18-80
Exclusion criteria:
- All medical students
- Pregnant women
- Heart failure, symptomatic coronary artery disease, liver impairment, history of
stroke or myocardial infarction, glaucoma
- History of serious allergies or asthma
- Subjects using beta-blockers
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