Renaissance of Brown Adipose Tissue

Abstract

The recent discovery of functional brown adipose tissue in human adults raised this tissue again into the focus of current investigations concerning human energy homeostasis. Brown fat is a key thermogenic tissue and is essential for non-shivering thermogenesis in the human newborn and hibernating mammals. This review highlights the biological and molecular aspects of brown adipose tissue development and function from the embryonic state to childhood and adolescence.

The role of active brown adipose tissue in human metabolism

“…Although a significant amount of BAT rapidly disappears after the neonatal period, some BAT continues to exist in adults for many decades [2]. The most suitable and widespread method for imaging activated BAT (ABAT) is 18 F-FDG PET/CT.…”

Kearns-Sayre syndrome presenting as isolated growth failure

“…Ultimately, these problems cause cellular loss via apoptosis and necrosis. 16 The mtDNA deletions and rearrangements causing KSS are generally present in all tissues but often preferentially cause disease in those that have high aerobic metabolism, for example, neurons and muscles. 7 Although the proband ultimately developed neuromuscular problems, her presenting symptom was deceleration of growth at age 5 years (figure 2).…”

Body Composition During Growth and Development

“…Brown adipose tissue may be an adaptation to the low amount of skeletal muscle in infants, which reduces their ability to maintain temperature homeostasis through shivering. 54 …”