Science Repository

Cold Induced Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) Thermogenesis

Prolonged cold exposure and beta-adrenergic agonists can induce browning of white adipose tissue. The idea of losing weight without controlling diet is quite fascinating. Researchers have uncovered the function of brown adipocytes which contain a high level of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). UCP1 is e key player in allowing the electrons to be released rather than to be stored, resulting in heat generation. When animals are exposed to cold temperature, cold is perceived by temperature sensors, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, which in turn activates brown adipocytes. Norepinephrine (NE) influences the brown adipocytes to differentiate as well as directly modulates the thermogenic function in mature brown adipocytes. NE binds to the β-adrenergic receptor and via adenylyl cyclase activation, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is increased, and protein kinase A is activated and leading to triglyceride breakdown and release of free fatty acids (FFAs) which are substrates for thermogenesis and regulators of the activity of UCP1. UCP1 is able to uncouple electron transport from adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and produces heat in brown adipocytes. We all know the fact that exercise burns calories. Reports suggest that BAT has a potential therapeutic role in reversing obesity and there is a search going on for agents that would stimulate the activity of the tissue.