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Updated: Jan 29, 2026
06:28
Cerenkov Luminescence Imaging of Interscapular Brown Adipose Tissue
Published on: October 7, 2014
13.8K
Brown adipose tissue: a new human organ?
Shalini Ojha1, Mark Birtwistle1, Helen Budge1
1a Academic Child Health, School of Clinical Sciences, University Hospital, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2UH, UK.
Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism
|February 10, 2019
Summary
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) may offer solutions to rising obesity. Research explores its role in energy expenditure, metabolism, and potential impact on aging, highlighting its significance as a human organ.
Area of Science:
- Metabolism & Endocrinology
- Physiology
Background:
- Rising prevalence of obesity and overweight globally.
- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays a crucial role in energy expenditure.
- Understanding BAT's function is key to addressing metabolic health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in human metabolism.
- To investigate the existence and impact of diet-induced thermogenesis in BAT.
- To discuss key questions regarding BAT's function, transcriptional control, and potential role in aging.
Main Methods:
- Discussion at a Physiological Society meeting.
- Review of current research on brown adipose tissue.
- Exploration of brown adipocyte (BRITE cell) presence and function.
Main Results:
- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is increasingly recognized for its role in energy expenditure.
- BAT influences lipoprotein and glucose metabolism.
- The transcriptional control of brown and BRITE adipocytes is a significant research area.
Conclusions:
- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) holds potential for combating obesity.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate BAT's role in metabolism and energy balance.
- BAT may have implications for aging and overall metabolic health.
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