Brown fat triglyceride content is associated with cardiovascular risk markers in adults from a tropical region

Author(s)

Monfort-Pires, Milena ; Regeni-Silva, Giulianna ; Dadson, Prince ; Nogueira, Guilherme A. ; U-Din, Mueez ; Ferreira, Sandra R. G. ; Sapienza, Marcelo Tatit ; Virtanen, Kirsi A. ; Velloso, Licio A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY; v. 13, p. 13-pg., 2022-07-19.

Abstract

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is regarded as an interesting potential target for the treatment of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, and the detailed characterization of its structural and functional phenotype could enable an advance in these fields. Most studies evaluating BAT structure and function were performed in temperate climate regions, and we are yet to know how these findings apply to the 40% of the world's population living in tropical areas. Here, we used F-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography - magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate BAT in 45 lean, overweight, and obese volunteers living in a tropical area in Southeast Brazil. We aimed at investigating the associations between BAT activity, volume, metabolic activity, and BAT content of triglycerides with adiposity and cardiovascular risk markers in a sample of adults living in a tropical area and we showed that BAT glucose uptake is not correlated with leanness; instead, BAT triglyceride content is correlated with visceral adiposity and markers of cardiovascular risk. This study expands knowledge regarding the structure and function of BAT in people living in tropical areas. In addition, we provide evidence that BAT triglyceride content could be an interesting marker of cardiovascular risk. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/22586-8 - Association between body composition and brown adipose tissue activity in human adults
• Grantee: Giulianna Regeni Silva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• FAPESP's process: 19/02055-3 - Glucose uptake rate evaluated by dynamic PET/MRi as a method for determination of brown adipose tissue in humans - Potential association with brain activity
• Grantee: Milena Monfort Pires
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 13/07607-8 - OCRC - Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center
• Grantee: Licio Augusto Velloso
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC
• FAPESP's process: 18/05479-6 - Training on the determination of human brown adipose tissue using PET/MR images
• Grantee: Milena Monfort Pires
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Post-doctor
• FAPESP's process: 16/10616-7 - Effect of monounsaturated fatty acids consumption in brown/beige adipose tissue activity in human adults
• Grantee: Milena Monfort Pires
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral