scholarly journals Brown Adipose Tissue: New Challenges for Prevention of Childhood Obesity. A Narrative Review

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 1450
Author(s):  
Elvira Verduci ◽  
Valeria Calcaterra ◽  
Elisabetta Di Profio ◽  
Giulia Fiore ◽  
Federica Rey ◽  
...  

Pediatric obesity remains a challenge in modern society. Recently, research has focused on the role of the brown adipose tissue (BAT) as a potential target of intervention. In this review, we revised preclinical and clinical works on factors that may promote BAT or browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) from fetal age to adolescence. Maternal lifestyle, type of breastfeeding and healthy microbiota can affect the thermogenic activity of BAT. Environmental factors such as exposure to cold or physical activity also play a role in promoting and activating BAT. Most of the evidence is preclinical, although in clinic there is some evidence on the role of omega-3 PUFAs (EPA and DHA) supplementation on BAT activation. Clinical studies are needed to dissect the early factors and their modulation to allow proper BAT development and functions and to prevent onset of childhood obesity.

Diabetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (Supplement 1) ◽  
pp. 142-OR
Author(s):  
MASAJI SAKAGUCHI ◽  
SHOTA OKAGAWA ◽  
SAYAKA KITANO ◽  
TATSUYA KONDO ◽  
EIICHI ARAKI

Author(s):  
Aleix Gavaldà-Navarro ◽  
Joan Villarroya ◽  
Rubén Cereijo ◽  
Marta Giralt ◽  
Francesc Villarroya

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 1122
Author(s):  
Jamie I. van der van der Vaart ◽  
Mariëtte R. Boon ◽  
Riekelt H. Houtkooper

Obesity is becoming a pandemic, and its prevalence is still increasing. Considering that obesity increases the risk of developing cardiometabolic diseases, research efforts are focusing on new ways to combat obesity. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) has emerged as a possible target to achieve this for its functional role in energy expenditure by means of increasing thermogenesis. An important metabolic sensor and regulator of whole-body energy balance is AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and its role in energy metabolism is evident. This review highlights the mechanisms of BAT activation and investigates how AMPK can be used as a target for BAT activation. We review compounds and other factors that are able to activate AMPK and further discuss the therapeutic use of AMPK in BAT activation. Extensive research shows that AMPK can be activated by a number of different kinases, such as LKB1, CaMKK, but also small molecules, hormones, and metabolic stresses. AMPK is able to activate BAT by inducing adipogenesis, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis and inducing browning in white adipose tissue. We conclude that, despite encouraging results, many uncertainties should be clarified before AMPK can be posed as a target for anti-obesity treatment via BAT activation.


2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoliang Shao ◽  
Wei Yang ◽  
Xiaonan Shao ◽  
Chun Qiu ◽  
Xiaosong Wang ◽  
...  

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