Human brown adipose tissue: metabolic effects and clinical implications

Michael Petrus Bernardus Moonen

Research output: ThesisDoctoral ThesisInternal

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Abstract

In the modern world, obesity is a huge threat to our health. Obesity leads to a disturbed metabolism, in the form of diabetes, elevated cholesterol and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Brown adipose tissue can provide an answer to this threat. This special type of adipose tissue becomes active during cold, leads to an elevation of energy consumption, and stimulates the use of sugars and fats. This research focused on the application of brown adipose tissue to improve our metabolism. Therefore, cold was applied to research subjects and their metabolism and energy consumption were measured.
It was found that mild cold is insufficient to improve metabolism. More intense cold, with contribution of shivering, would be needed in the fight against obesity.
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Maastricht University
Supervisors/Advisors
  • van Marken Lichtenbelt, Wouter, Supervisor
  • Schrauwen, Patrick, Supervisor
Award date11 May 2021
Place of PublicationMaastricht
Publisher
Print ISBNs9789464165579
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • brown adipose tissue
  • thermoregulation
  • metabolism

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