Abstract
IntroductionRecent observation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) being functional in adult humans provides a rationale for its stimulation to increase energy expenditure through ‘adaptive thermogenesis’ for an anti-obesity strategy. Many endocrine dysfunctions are associated with changes in metabolic rate that over time may result in changes in body weight. It is likely that human BAT plays a role in such processes.ReviewIn this brief review article, we explore the endocrine determinants of BAT activity, and discuss how these insights may provide a basis for future developments of novel therapeutic strategies for obesity management.A review of electronic and print data comprising original and review articles retrieved from PubMed search up to December 2013 was conducted (Search terms: brown adipose tissue, brown fat, obesity, hormone). In addition, relevant references from the articles were screened for papers containing original data.ConclusionThere is promising data to suggest that targeting endocrine hormones for BAT modulation can yield a cellular bioenergetics answer for successful prevention and management of human obesity. Further understanding of the physiological link between various endocrine hormones and BAT is necessary for the development of new therapeutic options.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40608-014-0013-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Recent observation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) being functional in adult humans provides a rationale for its stimulation to increase energy expenditure through ‘adaptive thermogenesis’ for an anti-obesity strategy
There is promising data to suggest that targeting endocrine hormones for BAT modulation can yield a cellular bioenergetics answer for successful prevention and management of human obesity
Further understanding of the physiological link between various endocrine hormones and BAT is necessary for the development of new therapeutic options
Summary
There is compelling evidence to suggest that targeting cellular bioenergetics will yield an effective anti-obesity therapy. Compensatory enhancement of appetite through central feedback regulation via complex neurological circuits following sustained chronic peripheral energy loss is a concern. Combining novel therapies that enhance BAT activity with an appetite-suppressant may be required. Therapeutic manipulation of peripheral energy expenditure through increasing BAT quantity and/or activity remains one of the most promising strategies for the successful prevention and management of human obesity. Authors’ information NLR is a Clinical Lecturer in Division of Metabolic and Vascular Health (DMVH), University of Warwick, and Honorary Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW). TMB is an Associate Professor in DMVH, University of Warwick and Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology, UHCW. HSR is a Senior Lecturer in DMVH, University of Warwick and Clinical Director/Consultant in Diabetes & Endocrinology, UHCW
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