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Cold-induced thermogenesis in humans
1Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Obesity Branch, The National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
European Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|November 24, 2016
Summary
Cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) generates heat to maintain body temperature. Reviewing historical and recent studies, this work identifies factors causing variability in CIT measurements, crucial for understanding brown adipose tissue (BAT) potential.
Area of Science:
- Physiology
- Metabolism
- Thermoregulation
Background:
- Endothermic thermoregulation relies on increasing metabolism to generate heat in cold environments.
- Cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) is a key physiological process for maintaining core body temperature.
- Recent discovery of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans has renewed interest in CIT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key findings and seminal studies on cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) over two centuries.
- To identify and discuss sources of variability in reported CIT measurements.
- To assess the potential of thermogenic organs like BAT for combating positive energy balance.
Main Methods:
- Historical literature review of studies on cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT).
- Analysis of factors contributing to variability in CIT measurements.
- Discussion of methodological and biological discrepancies in CIT research.
Main Results:
- Significant variability in reported CIT, ranging from 0 to 280% above basal metabolism.
- Identified methodological factors: measurement devices, cold exposure temperature, and duration.
- Identified biological factors: subject age and body composition.
Conclusions:
- Variability in CIT measurements necessitates careful consideration of methodological and biological factors.
- Understanding these factors is crucial for accurately assessing the role of BAT and other thermogenic tissues.
- Further research is needed to determine the viability of thermogenic organs for managing energy balance.
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