Brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige adipose tissues are important contributors to cold-induced whole body thermogenesis in rodents. The documentation in humans of cold- and ß-adrenergic receptor agonist-stimulated BAT glucose uptake using positron emission tomography (PET) and of a decrease of this response in individuals with cardiometabolic disorders led to the suggestion that BAT/beige adipose tissues could be relevant targets for prevention and treatment of these conditions. In this brief review, we will critically assess this question by first describing the basic rationale for this affirmation, second by examining the evidence in human studies, and third by discussing the possible means to activate the thermogenic response of these tissues in humans.
Keyphrases
- adipose tissue
- positron emission tomography
- computed tomography
- insulin resistance
- endothelial cells
- high fat diet
- gene expression
- pet ct
- high glucose
- pet imaging
- induced pluripotent stem cells
- pluripotent stem cells
- clinical trial
- type diabetes
- metabolic syndrome
- blood glucose
- oxidative stress
- electronic health record
- skeletal muscle
- combination therapy
- case control