Abstract
Currently, 18 [F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) in combination with a positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan analysis is the most commonly used method to quantify human BAT volume and activity. However, this technique presents several drawbacks which negatively affect participant's health. The aim of the present work is to determine whether supraclavicular skin temperature can be used as an indirect marker of cold-induced BAT and skeletal muscle 18F-FDG uptake in adults, while taking into account body composition. We performed a personalized cooling protocol just before an 18F-FDG-PET/CT scan, and we measured supraclavicular skin temperature before (in warm conditions) and after the cooling protocol in 88 adults (n = 57 women, mean age: 21.9 ± 2.1 years old, body mass index: 24.5 ± 4.3 km/m2). We found that supraclavicular skin temperature at the warm and cold periods was weakly and positively associated with BAT activity (SUVmean and SUVpeak: β = 3.000; R2 = 0.072; P = 0.022 and β = 2.448; R2 = 0.060; P = 0.021), but not with skeletal muscle 18F-FDG uptake, after controlling for body composition. We performed further analyses and the positive associations persisted only in the group of women. In conclusion, supraclavicular skin temperature in warm and cold conditions seems to be related with cold-induced 18F-FDG uptake by BAT only in women, although the low explained variance of these associations means that there are other factors involved in the supraclavicular skin temperature.
Highlights
In 2009, several independent studies showed unequivocally that brown adipose tissue (BAT) is metabolically active in adults upon cold stimulation (Cypess et al, 2009; van Marken Lichtenbelt et al, 2009; Virtanen et al, 2009)
No associations were observed between the supraclavicular skin temperature measured in the warm period (Fig. 2A), at the end of the cold period (Fig. 2D), and the difference with BAT volume
When we entered body mass index (BMI) in the model, the supraclavicular skin temperature in the cold period was positively associated with BAT volume (β = 16.540; R2 = 0.138; P = 0.039)
Summary
In 2009, several independent studies showed unequivocally that brown adipose tissue (BAT) is metabolically active in adults upon cold stimulation (Cypess et al, 2009; van Marken Lichtenbelt et al, 2009; Virtanen et al, 2009). 18 [F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) in combination with a positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) scan analysis is the most commonly used method to quantify human BAT volume and activity (Chondronikola et al, 2017; Nedergaard et al, 2007). This scanning technique exposes participants to ionizing radiation, and the number of scans that can be performed is limited. Future research is warranted to accurately, reproducibly, and practically assess human BAT and its metabolic function (Chondronikola et al, 2017). Since 18F-FDG is mainly absorbed by BAT depots that are localized in the supraclavicular fossa
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
