Review
Physiology
Gina Wade, Ayren McGahee, James M. Ntambi, Judith Simcox
Summary: Non-shivering thermogenesis mainly occurs in brown and beige adipose tissue, regulating not only body temperature but also systemic glucose and lipid homeostasis. The importance of lipids in thermogenesis has been more recently appreciated, with circulating lipids entering thermogenic adipocytes being necessary for temperature regulation and total lipid homeostasis.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lloyd Noriega, Cheng-Ying Yang, Chih-Hao Wang
Summary: Brown and beige adipocytes have the ability to generate heat and can be activated by various methods. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of their differentiation and function is crucial for developing clinical therapies. Drugs and nutritional interventions can activate these adipocytes while minimizing potential side effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan Wang, Xingyue Chen, Wenli Fan, Xujia Zhang, Siyuan Zhan, Tao Zhong, Jiazhong Guo, Jiaxue Cao, Li Li, Hongping Zhang, Linjie Wang
Summary: Oat beta-glucan is a common natural polysaccharide in oats with various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects. It can help regulate blood sugar and lipid levels, prevent cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, and promote intestinal health.
Review
Cell Biology
Liuyifei Huang, Yan Xing, Xiaoxuan Ning, Zhixiang Yu, Xiao Bai, Limin Liu, Shiren Sun
Summary: Abnormal lipid and glucose metabolisms are closely associated with various diseases, and finding key molecules involved in these processes is essential for treatment. This review discusses the roles and mechanisms of the transcription factor Twist1 in obesity, insulin resistance, fatty acid oxidation, and skeletal muscle glucose metabolism, providing a rational perspective for considering Twist1 as a potential treatment target.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Editorial Material
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Imke L. Lemmer, Alexander Bartelt
Summary: An elegant quantitative analysis of brown fat and skeletal muscle metabolite flux reveals that brown fat predominantly uses glucose and lactate and acts as a nitrogen scavenger during thermogenesis.
Article
Oncology
Zhihao Jia, Xiyue Chen, Jingjuan Chen, Lijia Zhang, Stephanie N. Oprescu, Nanjian Luo, Yan Xiong, Feng Yue, Shihuan Kuang
Summary: This study identifies ACSS3 as the key enzyme for propionate metabolism and demonstrates that accumulation of propionate promotes obesity and Type 2 diabetes through triggering adipocyte autophagy.
CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Alana Deutsch, Kosaku Shinoda
Summary: Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to cold can increase the thermogenic capacity of brown adipose tissue through the recruitment of new brown adipocytes. Shamsi et al. and Angueira et al. have identified novel cellular origins of cold-induced brown adipocytes and elucidated the molecular mechanism regulating the expansion of brown adipose tissue.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhichao Wang, Qiong A. Wang, Yong Liu, Lei Jiang
Summary: Brown adipose tissue functions as an 'energy sink' in mammals, burning calories through substrates like lipids, glucose, and other metabolites to produce heat and support thermogenesis, contributing to overall metabolic homeostasis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sorim Choung, Ji Min Kim, Kyong Hye Joung, Hyun Jin Kim, Seon Mee Kang, Jae-Wook Jeong, Bon Jeong Ku
Summary: The study reveals that Mig-6 affects glucose tolerance and thermogenesis in BAT, indicating its regulatory role in BAT.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Cheryl Cero, Hannah J. Lea, Kenneth Y. Zhu, Farnaz Shamsi, Yu-Hua Tseng, Aaron M. Cypess
Summary: This study demonstrates the critical role of β(3)-AR in regulating lipolysis and thermogenesis in human brown/beige adipocytes. Silencing of β(3)-AR compromised multiple components of cellular machinery essential for thermogenesis and fatty acid metabolism. Selective human β(3)-AR agonists could potentially offer metabolic benefits in humans.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ahmad Agil, Miguel Navarro-Alarcon, Fatma Abo Zakaib Ali, Ashraf Albrakati, Diego Salagre, Cristina Campoy, Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
Summary: The study revealed that melatonin could improve mitochondrial function in brown fat tissue of obese rats, reducing oxidative stress, promoting ATP production, and decreasing susceptibility to apoptosis.
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Elvira Verduci, Valeria Calcaterra, Elisabetta Di Profio, Giulia Fiore, Federica Rey, Vittoria Carlotta Magenes, Carolina Federica Todisco, Stephana Carelli, Gian Vincenzo Zuccotti
Summary: Research has been focused on the potential role of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in addressing pediatric obesity, with factors such as maternal lifestyle, type of breastfeeding, healthy microbiota, and environmental factors influencing BAT's thermogenic activity. While most evidence comes from preclinical studies, further clinical research is needed to understand early factors in BAT development and function modulation for preventing childhood obesity.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Belen Picatoste, Lucie Yammine, Rosemary A. Leahey, David Soares, Emma F. Johnson, Paul Cohen, Timothy E. McGraw
Summary: Deleting Rab10 from brown adipocytes reduces insulin-stimulated glucose transport, leading to whole-body metabolic imbalance and insulin resistance, particularly in female mice. This effect is independent of the thermogenic function of brown adipocytes, highlighting a metabolism-specific role in female mice.
MOLECULAR METABOLISM
(2021)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Ruping Pan, Yong Chen
Summary: Obesity is characterized by the overaccumulation of white adipose tissue in the body, leading to various metabolic disorders. Targeting human thermogenic adipose tissues shows promise in combating obesity.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Andre C. Carpentier, Denis P. Blondin, Francois Haman, Denis Richard
Summary: Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is an important therapeutic target for cardiometabolic diseases due to its unique ability to generate heat. The current definition and measurement of BAT relies on glucose uptake observation, which may not accurately assess BAT's thermogenic activity. The main energy substrate for BAT thermogenesis is intracellular fatty acids, and the response is interconnected with that of white adipose tissue and other metabolic tissues. Current drugs are unable to independently stimulate BAT's thermogenic response.
Article
Anthropology
Mallika S. Sarma, Cara J. Ocobock, Sarah Martin, Shannon Rochelle, Brendan P. Croom, Lee T. Gettler
Summary: The study examined changes in body weight, body fat, and muscle mass of 75 healthy individuals during a 3-month expedition in the American Rockies, finding differences in energy expenditure and body composition changes between males and females.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Cara Ocobock, Alexandra Niclou, Tisa Loewen, Kendall Arslanian, Rebecca Gibson, Claudia Valeggia
Summary: Quality mentorship is crucial for academic success and job satisfaction. Current mentorship research focuses on mentorship definition, relationship building, and recommendations for mentor networks, training, and accountability systems.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Alexandra Niclou, Cara Ocobock
Summary: In a study in Albany, NY, it was found that heat dissipation of the supraclavicular area significantly increased in winter compared to summer, while metabolic rate measurements showed no significant seasonal differences. This suggests that BAT activation may be more metabolically efficient in winter due to lower seasonal temperatures. Additionally, respiratory quotient significantly increased in winter compared to summer, indicating increased carbohydrate utilization but fat remained the primary metabolic substrate for BAT activity across both seasons.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Anthropology
Cara Ocobock, Minna Turunen, Paivi Soppela, Sirpa Rasmus
Summary: Climate change induced extreme weather events, such as late snow cover and icing, have negatively impacted reindeer herding in Northern Finland. These events increase the workload and expenses for reindeer herders, putting their livelihoods and health at risk.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Cara Ocobock
Summary: Research on human extreme cold climate adaptations has experienced a resurgence since Ted Steegmann's Human Cold Adaptation Agenda in 2007. Human biologists have greatly expanded our knowledge in this area in the past 15 years, but there is still much work to be done to fulfill the cold climate adaptation agenda.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Alexandra Niclou, Mallika S. Sarma
Summary: This special issue explores the adaptability of the human species in extreme environments and argues for redefining these extremes to include new environmental challenges unique to the Anthropocene. It also discusses the future of work in extreme environments and provides guidelines for further research in this area.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Alexandra Niclou, Philippe St-Martin, Leanne M. Redman, Audrey Bergouignan
Summary: This study highlights three key areas of energy metabolism research: intergenerational health, climate change, and interplanetary exploration. It describes recent advances in estimating daily energy expenditure using the doubly labeled water method and emphasizes the importance of energy requirements during pregnancy and early life. The study also acknowledges the need to address energy requirements for underrepresented populations and individuals undergoing significant physiological changes in a new environment. It emphasizes the importance of considering rapid physiological and socioeconomic changes in energy data.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-ENDOCRINOLOGY AND METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Andrew W. Best, Amanda Mcgrosky, Zane Swanson, Rebecca Rimbach, Katie Mcconaughy, Joe Mcconaughy, Cara Ocobock, Herman Pontzer
Summary: Continuous multiday ultramarathon competitions impose extreme energetic and nutritional demands on competitors. The duration of the event is inversely related to the physical activity level, and macronutrient absorption and/or storage are key factors in ultramarathon performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SPORT NUTRITION AND EXERCISE METABOLISM
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Cara Ocobock, Sarah Lacy
Summary: The myths of Man the Hunter and male biological superiority still persist in the interpretations and reconstructions of human evolution, despite the existence of uncontroversial average biological differences between females and males. However, the potential physiological advantages that females may possess are less known and less studied. This article reviews and presents emerging physiological evidence that suggests females may be better suited for endurance activities such as running. These findings have profound implications for understanding past subsistence capabilities and patterns. Additionally, the article discusses the role of estrogen and adiponectin in glucose and fat metabolism, and how differences in body composition, muscle fiber composition, metabolic cost of load carrying, and self-pacing may contribute to increased endurance capacities in females. The article emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach that combines physiological, archaeological, and cultural perspectives to amend the current understanding of human evolution.
AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Sarah Lacy, Cara Ocobock
Summary: Research suggests that there was no strict sexual division of labor in the Paleolithic era, and women also participated in hunting activities. We need to examine how modern gender roles shape our reconstructions of the past.
AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Alexandra Niclou, Lupesina Vesi, Maria Arorae, New Caledonia Naseri, Kima Faasalele Savusa, Take Naseri, James P. DeLany, Stephen T. McGarvey, Anna C. Rivara, Cara Ocobock
Summary: This study explores the activity of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in Samoans. The results indicate that BAT thermogenesis occurs in known BAT locations, contributing to nonshivering thermogenesis during cooling. This study adds to our understanding of BAT activity across different populations and climates.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Alexa Pennavaria Kelly, Cara Ocobock, Lauren Nicole Butaric, Scott David Maddux
Summary: This study investigates the potential interactions between metabolic and climatic pressures on human nasal morphology by using computed tomography scans of 79 mixed-sex crania. The results show that there is a significant correlation between metabolic demands and overall nasal size, with higher metabolic demands associated with larger noses. Furthermore, the study also uncovers the metabolic and climatic constraints on specific nasal dimensions.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
(2023)