Abstract
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.
Highlights
Pediatric obesity is a significant challenge for our society [1]
The Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) is a plastic tissue formed by brown adipocytes which reside in specific depots
Lactobacillus plantarum has proven successful in potentiating process of brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis via activating uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-dependent mechanisms when administrated in rats, and these results suggested that L.plantarum may inhibit the progression of obesity in animal models [152,153]
Summary
Pediatric obesity is a significant challenge for our society [1]. Prevalence between males and females, in school age and during adolescence, is better than previous years, but remains high [2]. National governments have undertaken both preventive actions (e.g., reduction of simple sugars in products for the pediatric population, traffic light labeling) [3] and therapeutic activities on lifestyle modification and dietary habits, but pediatric obesity remains a difficult disease to treat [4]. One of the key roles of the adipose tissue, composed of white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) in mammals, is to regulate energy metabolism through various hormonal pathways. Studies are focusing on BAT as a possible therapeutic target. The purpose of this review was to examine the literature to highlight nutritional factors that play a role in the browning of WAT and possible modes of intervention acting on energy metabolism underlying the pathogenesis of childhood obesity
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