The goal of this research is to gain information whether a calcium sensing enzyme called "Calcium/Calmodulin Dependent Protein Kinase" is activated in obesity. This research will supplement additional information about the pathogenesis of insulin resistance associated with obesity.

Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, disturbed glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes. Many proteins/enzymes have been implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated insulin resistance, but specific treatment strategies resulting from these discoveries are few and far between. Over the past few years we have accumulated data that the activity of a calcium sensing enzyme called calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) is increased in the liver of both genetic and diet-induced obese mice compared with lean controls and contribute to development of metabolic disturbances associated with obesity. The goal of this research is to gain information whether CaMKII is activated in liver samples of obese human subjects compared to lean subjects. The participation of human subjects in this project will consist of the voluntary donation of a liver biopsy specimen from obese and non-obese patients between the ages of 21 and 75. The stored frozen liver samples will be analyzed by immunoblot for evidence of CaMKII activity.