Human Brown Adipose Tissue: What We Have Learned So Far

• Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a unique tissue that is able to convert chemical energy directly into heat when activated by the sympathetic nervous system. While initially believed to be of relevance only in human newborns and infants, research during recent years provided unequivocal evidence of active BAT in human adults. Moreover, it has become clear that BAT plays an important role in insulin sensitivity in rodents and humans. This has opened the possibility for exciting new therapies for obesity and diabetes. This review summarizes the current state of research with a special focus on recent advances regarding BAT and insulin resistance in human adults. Additionally, we provide an outlook on possible future therapeutic uses of BAT in the treatment of obesity and diabetes.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Endokrinologi och diabetes (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Endocrinology and Diabetes (hsv//eng)

Keyword

BETA(3)-ADRENERGIC RECEPTOR AGONIST

DIET-INDUCED THERMOGENESIS

ADULT

HUMANS

ENERGY-EXPENDITURE

UNCOUPLING PROTEIN

WHITE FAT

OUTDOOR

TEMPERATURE

SKELETAL-MUSCLE

MITOCHONDRIAL BIOGENESIS

ADAPTIVE

THERMOGENESIS

Endocrinology & Metabolism

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)