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Differentiation and Imaging of Brown Adipocytes from the Stromal Vascular Fraction of Interscapular Adipose Tissue from Newborn Mice
Published on: February 3, 2023
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Brown adipose tissue during puberty and with aging.
1California Institute for Biomedical Research (Calibr) , La Jolla, CA 92037 , USA.
Annals of Medicine
|June 4, 2014
Summary
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is present throughout human life, declining with age but showing a unique increase during puberty. This metabolically active tissue may protect against obesity in children and adults.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Metabolism
- Adipose tissue biology
Background:
- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) was once thought to exist only in infants.
- Recent research confirms metabolically active BAT persists in children and adults.
- BAT activity generally declines throughout life, with a notable pubertal increase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the changes in human brown adipose tissue (BAT) across different life stages.
- To focus on the poorly understood role of BAT during puberty and aging.
- To explore the potential of BAT as a protective factor against obesity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on human brown adipose tissue.
- Analysis of age-related changes in BAT prevalence and activity.
- Examination of the association between BAT and body mass index.
Main Results:
- Metabolically active BAT is present in most children and many adults.
- BAT activity shows a steady decline with age, except for a pubertal spike.
- Lower body mass index correlates with higher BAT activity in pediatric and adult populations.
Conclusions:
- Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a role throughout life, not just infancy.
- The pubertal increase in BAT warrants further investigation.
- BAT holds potential as a therapeutic target for combating childhood and adult obesity.
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