Beyond the sympathetic tone: the new brown fat activators

Cell Metab. 2013 May 7;17(5):638-43. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2013.02.020. Epub 2013 Apr 11.

Abstract

If we could avoid the side effects associated with global sympathetic activation, activating brown adipose tissue to increase thermogenesis would be a safe way to lose weight. The discovery of adrenergic-independent brown fat activators opens the prospect of developing this alternative way to efficiently and safely induce negative energy balance.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Body Weight / physiology
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / metabolism
  • Sympathetic Nervous System / physiology*
  • Thermogenesis / physiology*
  • Weight Loss / physiology