title: Brown Adipose Tissue: A Human Perspective.
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.
authors.affiliation: Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mariëtte R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Boon
authors.affiliation: Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. markenlichtenbelt@maastrichtuniversity.nl.
authors.forename: Wouter D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: van Marken Lichtenbelt
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization; D002001:Adipose Tissue, Brown / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D050356:Lipid Metabolism; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D022722:Thermogenesis
chemical_list: D019788:Fluorodeoxyglucose F18; D005947:Glucose
keywords: Beige adipocytes; Brown adipocytes; Cold acclimation; Energy expenditure; PET-CT scans; Pharmacology