Angiotensin-(1-7) and Energy Expenditure in Human Obesity

Angiotensin-(1-7) is a beneficial hormone of the renin-angiotensin system known to produce positive cardiovascular and metabolic effects in animal models. In this study, the investigators will determine if angiotensin-(1-7) can increase resting energy expenditure and promote white adipose tissue heat production (thermogenesis) in obese human subjects. The investigators will perform a randomized, double-blind, two-arm parallel group study to determine effects of acute intravenous angiotensin-(1-7) versus saline infusion on resting energy expenditure measured by indirect calorimetry in obese human participants. In addition, blood pressure and heart rate will be measured and blood samples obtained to measure for changes in circulating renin-angiotensin system and metabolic hormones. Abdominal subcutaneous white adipose biopsies will also be obtained from obese human participants during acute angiotensin-(1-7) versus saline infusions to examine for changes in gene expression for markers of thermogenesis. The findings from these studies will advance understanding of hormonal mechanisms involved in the etiology of obesity, and provide new insight into the potential for targeting angiotensin-(1-7) to improve energy balance in human obesity.