International Journal of Molecular Zoology 2024, Vol.14, No.4, 211-221 http://animalscipublisher.com/index.php/ijmz 219 expenditure, particularly during cold exposure. For instance, cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) is notably higher in individuals with metabolically active BAT, indicating a seasonal variation in energy expenditure linked to BAT activity. Additionally, BAT activation has been shown to enhance lipid metabolism, with increased whole-body lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation observed during cold exposure. Despite these promising findings, the impact of BAT activation on long-term weight loss remains uncertain, as many studies report significant heterogeneity in results and small sample sizes. The activation of BAT has profound implications for mammalian energy metabolism. It serves as a critical mechanism for maintaining body temperature during cold exposure and contributes to overall energy balance by increasing energy expenditure. The ability of BAT to utilize various energy substrates, including lipids, glucose, and other metabolites, underscores its metabolic flexibility and importance in whole-body metabolic homeostasis. Furthermore, the presence of beige adipocytes, which can emerge in response to environmental cues such as chronic cold exposure, suggests potential therapeutic targets for obesity and related metabolic disorders. However, the clinical relevance of BAT activation for sustained weight loss and metabolic health requires further investigation, particularly in terms of long-term feasibility and safety. In conclusion, BAT represents a vital component of mammalian energy metabolism, with its thermogenic activity playing a key role in regulating energy expenditure and maintaining metabolic homeostasis. While the potential of BAT activation as a therapeutic strategy for obesity and metabolic diseases is promising, more extensive and long-term studies are needed to fully understand its efficacy and safety. Future research should focus on developing integrated methods to quantify BAT's contribution to energy expenditure and exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying its activation and function. Understanding these aspects will be crucial for harnessing the full potential of BAT in metabolic health interventions. Acknowledgments Sincere thanks to the anonymous peer review for their opinions and suggestions. Conflict of Interest Disclosure The authors affirm that this research was conducted without any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. References Ballinger M., and Andrews M., 2018, Nature's fat-burning machine: brown adipose tissue in a hibernating mammal, Journal of Experimental Biology, 221(Suppl_1): jeb162586. https://doi.org/10.1242/jeb.162586 PMid:29514878 PMCid:PMC6919643 Bienboire-Frosini C., Wang D., Marcet-Rius M., Villanueva-García D., Gazzano A., Domínguez-Oliva A., Olmos-Hernández A., Hernández-Ávalos I., Lezama-García K., Verduzco-Mendoza A., Gómez-Prado J., and Mota-Rojas D., 2023, The role of brown adipose tissue and energy metabolism in mammalian thermoregulation during the perinatal period, Animals, 13(13): 2173. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13132173 PMid:37443971 PMCid:PMC10339909 Carpentier A., Blondin D., Virtanen K., Richard D., Haman F., and Turcotte É., 2018, Brown adipose tissue energy metabolism in humans, Frontiers in Endocrinology, 9: 447. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2018.00447 PMid:30131768 PMCid:PMC6090055 Choe S., Huh J., Hwang I., Kim J., and Kim J., 2016, Adipose tissue remodeling: its role in energy metabolism and metabolic disorders, Frontiers in Endocrinology, 7: 30. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2016.00030 PMid:27148161 PMCid:PMC4829583 Chondronikola M., Volpi E., Børsheim E., Porter C., Saraf M., Annamalai P., Yfanti C., Chao T., Wong D., Shinoda K., Labbé S., Hurren N., Cesani F., Kajimura S., and Sidossis L., 2016, Brown adipose tissue activation is linked to distinct systemic effects on lipid metabolism in humans, Cell metabolism, 23(6): 1200-1206. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmet.2016.04.029 PMid:27238638 PMCid:PMC4967557
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