Title
Cold-induced metabolism
Author
van Marken Lichtenbelt, W.
Daanen, H.A.M.
Publication year
2003
Abstract
Purpose of review Cold response can be insulative (drop in peripheral temperature) or metabolic (increase in energy expenditure). Nonshivering thermogenesis by sympathetic, norepinephrine-induced mitochondrial heat production in brown adipose tissue is a well known component of this metabolic response in infants and several animal species. In adult humans, however, its role is less clear. Here we explore recent findings on the role and variability of nonshivering thermogenesis in adults. Recent findings Large individual differences exist in mild cold response with respect to the relative contribution of the insulative response and the metabolic (nonshivering) response. In search for the possible explanations of this variation, recent studies on potential mechanisms of nonshivering thermogenesis in humans are presented. Emphasis is given to the role of uncoupling proteins, mitochondrial ATP-synthase, and calcium cycling. The potential contribution of human skeletal muscle to nonshivering thermogenesis is discussed. The differences in nonshivering thermogenesis can partly be attributed to factors such as age, gender, physical fitness, adaptation, and diet. There are indications that genetic variation affect cold response. Summary The implications of the observed large individual variation in cold response is that a low metabolic response to cold can partly explain increased risk to develop obesity. Both the effect of environmental factors and genetic factors on nonshivering thermogenesis require more well controlled studies. With extended knowledge on these factors it can be ascertained if a pharmacological regimen is possible which would mimic the effects of chronic cold or elevated catecholamine levels, without attendant side effects.
Subject
Adaptation
Cold tolerance
Energy expenditure
Effects of cold
Adaptive thermogenesis
Brown adipose tissue
Cold response
Energy expenditure
Nonshivering thermogenesis
Uncoupling proteins
Body composition
Calcium signaling
Cold exposure
Dietary intake
Energy expenditure
Energy metabolism
Environmental factor
Fitness
Genetics
Nonshivering thermogenesis
Skeletal muscle
Stimulus response
thermogenesis
Adipose Tissue, Brown
Body Temperature Regulation
Cold
Humans
Shivering
Thermogenesis
Animalia
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TNO identifier
11957
Source
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 6 (6), 469-475
Document type
article