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Review
. 2016:233:301-19.
doi: 10.1007/164_2015_11.

Brown Adipose Tissue: A Human Perspective

Mariëtte R Boon  1 , Wouter D van Marken Lichtenbelt  2
Affiliations
Review

Brown Adipose Tissue: A Human Perspective

Mariëtte R Boon et al. Handb Exp Pharmacol. 2016.

Abstract

Since 2009, the presence of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans has been irrefutably proven. It is estimated that active BAT can contribute up to 2.5-5% of resting metabolic rate in humans, suggesting that sustained activation of BAT may alleviate obesity and associated disorders. In the current chapter, the discovery of BAT in adult humans will be discussed. Furthermore, the characteristics of human BAT, methods to visualize the tissue as well as physiological and pharmacological methods to enhance its activity will be stressed.

Keywords: Beige adipocytes; Brown adipocytes; Cold acclimation; Energy expenditure; PET-CT scans; Pharmacology.

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