Warmtefat

Warmtefat is a term used in some Dutch-language literature to denote thermogenic adipose tissue that contributes to heat production in mammals, most notably brown adipose tissue (BAT). In contrast to white adipose tissue, which primarily stores energy, Warmtefat contains many mitochondria and high levels of thermogenic proteins, enabling dissipation of energy as heat.

A key mechanism involves uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), which is highly expressed in brown adipocytes. UCP1 uncouples oxidative phosphorylation from ATP production, releasing energy as heat. Activation of Warmtefat is driven by sympathetic nervous system signals in response to cold exposure, leading to lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation that fuel heat generation.

Distribution and development: In humans, brown adipose tissue is most abundant in infants and is located in regions such as around the neck and upper back. In adults, detectable deposits persist in areas like the supraclavicular region, and beige adipocytes can appear within white fat depots after chronic cold exposure or specific stimuli, contributing to heat production.

Physiological role and research interest: Warmtefat contributes to non-shivering thermogenesis, helps maintain body temperature, and influences overall energy expenditure. It is a focus of metabolic research due to potential implications for obesity and metabolic disorders, with interest in strategies to activate or recruit thermogenic fat to improve metabolic health.

Terminology and assessment: The term Warmtefat varies by source; scientifically, brown adipose tissue and beige adipose tissue are commonly used distinctions. Imaging studies, such as 18F-FDG PET scans, are employed to assess metabolic activity of thermogenic fat during cold exposure.