Modifying humidity and convection to glabrous tissue to control metabolism
Systems and methods for affecting metabolism, such as the treatment of metabolic syndrome are disclosed. A method for treating metabolic syndrome can include one or more of the steps including identifying a region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue; positioning the region of the patient comprising glabrous tissue into an enclosed chamber; adjusting the relative humidity of the enclosed chamber sufficient to create a physiologic metabolic effect; and activating a convection fan within the chamber to promote heat transfer from the glabrous tissue. The method need not involve altering the temperature within the enclosed chamber.
1. A system for modulating glabrous tissue of a patient, comprising:
a chamber configured to receive a portion of the patient comprising the glabrous tissue;
a compressor configured to supply a gas to an interior of the chamber sufficient to transfer heat away from the glabrous tissue, the gas having a relative humidity of less than about 35%;
a patient port operably connected to the chamber, the patient port configured to allow insertion of the portion of the patient into the chamber and a seal to be formed;
a fan configured to direct gas to the glabrous tissue; and
a controller configured to adjust the relative humidity of the gas,
wherein the system is not configured to alter a temperature or pressure of the interior of the chamber.
2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a vacuum.
3. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a sensor.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises a length between 6 inches and 24 inches.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the compressor is configured to deliver air, nitrogen, oxygen, helium, or a combination of gases.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is further configured to control the rate of flow.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to adjust the relative humidity based on an input from one or more sensors.
8. A method for treating a patient, comprising:
inserting a portion of the patient comprising glabrous tissue into a patient port operably connected to a chamber, the patient port forming a seal;
supplying a gas to an interior of the chamber sufficient to transfer heat away from the glabrous tissue, the gas having a relative humidity of less than about 35%; and
directing gas to the glabrous tissue by a fan,
wherein the method does not alter a temperature or pressure of the interior of the chamber.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein air surrounding the patient outside of the chamber has a higher relative humidity.
10. The method of claim 8 , further comprising adjusting the relative humidity of the gas.
11. The method of claim 8 , wherein the method increases metabolism.
12. The method of claim 8 , wherein the method promotes overall weight loss by enhanced caloric loss.
13. The method of claim 8 , wherein the method improves insulin resistance.
14. The method of claim 8 , wherein the method stimulates adiponectin production.
15. The method of claim 8 , wherein the method increases glucose uptake.
16. The method of claim 8 , wherein the method normalizes lipid metabolism.
17. The method of claim 8 , wherein the method reduces vascular smooth muscle proliferation.
18. The method of claim 8 , wherein the method causes vasodilation and blood pressure reduction.
19. The method of claim 8 , wherein the method triggers lipolysis.
20. The method of claim 8 , wherein the method activates brown adipose tissue.