Adipose Tissue in Obesity-Related Asthma (ATORA) - Feasibility Studies and Preliminary Data

How Fat Tissue Affects Asthma in Kids and Young Adults with Obesity

Primary Investigator
E

Erick Forno

Primary Investigator

Enrolling By Invitation
6 years - 17 years
All
Phase N/A
1 participants needed
1 Location

Brief description of study

The purpose of this study is to better understand how fat tissue may contribute to asthma in children and young adults with obesity. Researchers will also use the samples to develop and improve laboratory methods for studying fat tissue and to gather preliminary information that may help guide future research on obesity-related asthma.

THIS STUDY IS ENROLLING BY INVITATION ONLY - Children, adolescents, and young adult patients will become potential candidates for the study after their clinical care team determines that appendectomy, cholecystectomy, or bariatric surgery is clinically indicated. Potentially eligible participants may be identified through communication with the clinical care team and/or review of the electronic health record for study eligibility criteria. The study may be introduced to potential participants and their parents/guardians by a member of the research team or by a clinical care provider who normally has access to the individual's confidential information as part of the patient's clinical care.

Detailed description of study

Patients undergo surgery only for clinically indicated reasons determined by the treating surgeon and clinical care team; no participant will undergo surgery for purposes of this research. Adipose tissue will be collected only after the clinically indicated surgical procedure has been completed and only if the operating surgeon determines that collection can be performed safely. The surgeon will use the same standard precautions and surgical techniques used during the clinical procedure to minimize risks such as bleeding, infection, or injury to adjacent structures.Research procedures conducted outside of the operating room, including phenotyping procedures and nasal sample collection when performed at the phenotyping visit, will occur in a private clinical research or exam room. Adipose tissue collection and any nasal sample collection performed during surgery will occur in the operating room while the participant is undergoing the clinically indicated surgical procedure.

Eligibility of study

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:

  • Conditions: Appendicitis, Cholelithiasis, Cholecystitis. Obesity, Riley
  • Age: 6 years - 17 years
  • Gender: All

Inclusion criteria:
•    Age ≥6 to <25 years old (i.e., 6.0-24.99 years);
•    Undergoing surgery for appendicitis, cholecystectomy, or bariatric surgery;
•    Signed informed consent, and assent as appropriate; and 
•    In the case of acute appendicitis, symptoms for <96 hours.

Exclusion criteria:
•    Significant chronic illness (other than asthma, OW/OB, or their complications);
•    Clinical determination of sepsis before or during the surgery;
•    Generalized peritonitis, abscess, perforation, or otherwise complicated appendicitis**;
•    Any circumstances that, in the judgment of the investigator or surgeon, may pose a risk to the participant;
•    Operative or other findings that may compromise the integrity of the AT samples.
** NOTE: In patients with perforated appendicitis or abscess who are otherwise stable and not septic, SC-AT samples may still be collected (no OM-AT). If only micro-perforation and the omentum looks healthy, OM-AT may still be collected.
 

This study investigates how fat tissue might affect asthma in children and young adults with obesity. The purpose is to understand the relationship between fat tissue and asthma better. Asthma is a condition where the airways in the lungs become narrow and swollen, making it hard to breathe. Researchers will collect samples of fat tissue to improve laboratory methods and gather information for future studies on obesity-related asthma.

Participants will have fat tissue collected during surgeries that are needed for their health, like appendectomy, cholecystectomy, or bariatric surgery. The surgery is not done for the study; it is done because the doctor thinks it is needed. The fat tissue will be collected safely after the surgery is finished. Other tests, like checking the nose for samples, will be done in a research room or during the surgery.

  • Who can participate: Children and young adults aged 6 to 24 years who are undergoing surgery for appendicitis, cholecystectomy, or bariatric surgery can participate. They must have signed informed consent and assent. Participants with certain chronic illnesses or complications during surgery may not be eligible.
  • Study details: Participants will have fat tissue collected during their clinically necessary surgery. This tissue will be used for research purposes. The procedures will be done safely, following standard surgical precautions.
Updated on 15 Sep 2026. Study ID: 32903
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Interested in the study?

This study is accepting only persons who receive care at a certain clinic or doctor or who are part of an invited group. Questions about this study can be directed to the study team listed in the description or contact your doctor to see if you are eligible.

Accepting Referrals by Invitation Only