The good and the BAT of metabolic sex differences in thermogenic human adipose tissue

Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2021 Aug 1:533:111337. doi: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111337. Epub 2021 May 29.

Abstract

Thermogenic adipose tissue, which comprises classical brown and beige adipose tissue, has the ability to improve systemic metabolism. Its identification in adult humans has fostered extensive investigations on the therapeutic value to counteract obesity and metabolic disorders. Sex and gender differences of human thermogenic adipose tissue, however, are still understudied despite their importance for personalized treatment options. Here, we review studies reporting human sex differences of thermogenic adipose tissue and related potential improvements of systemic energy metabolism. An increasing body of evidence suggests higher prevalence, mass and activity of thermogenic adipose tissue in women, but the consequences for metabolic disease progression and mechanisms are largely unknown. Therefore, we also discuss observations on sex-specific adipose metabolism in experimental mouse and rat studies that may assist to establish molecular mechanisms and instruct future investigations in humans.

Keywords: Adipocytes; Adipose tissue; BAT; Gender; Metabolism; Mitochondria; Obesity; Sex; UCP1; WAT.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue, Beige / metabolism*
  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Energy Metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Male
  • Metabolic Diseases / metabolism*
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • Sex Characteristics
  • Thermogenesis