Overview

The specific aim of this study is to determine molecular pathways that differentiate metabolically healthy vs unhealthy human phenotypes, and to investigate the therapeutic potential of pro-resolving lipids. Investigators will recruit volunteers that are metabolically healthy or unhealthy that fall within three BMI ranges: lean (18.-24.9 kg/m2), overweight (25.0-29.9 kg/m2) and obese (>30.0 kg/m2). Investigators hypothesize that metabolically healthy individuals have a superior endogenous capacity to regulate an inflammatory/resolving response.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

• Informed signed consent has been obtained from the volunteer.
• The volunteer has a BMI greater than 18.5 kg/m2
• Men and women over the age of 18 are included.

Exclusion Criteria:

• The study staff contacting a potential participant perceives that the individual has difficulty understanding the information.
• An MD determines that the individual is on too many medications to participate.
• The individual takes a medication that is approved by the MD, but he/she is not willing or not able to wait with any potential morning medication until after their fasted blood-draw.
• The individual states that they have increased bleeding tendency or are using anti-coagulant (blood thinning) medication.
• The individual has some form of chronic inflammation.
• The individual regularly uses medication that affects inflammatory resolution (e.g., low-dose aspirin).
• The individual uses immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., methotrexate).
• The individual regularly consumes fish oils (omega 3).
• The individual has significant gastrointestinal problems.
• The individual smokes or uses chewing tobacco.
• The individual has been drinking alcohol two days before the study visit.
• The individual has tattoos or body piercings on the forearms and / or the stomach that can affect the examination.
• The individual does not follow instructions given in the research study.