Brown adipose tissue and aging: A potential role for exercise

Exp Gerontol. 2023 Jul:178:112218. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2023.112218. Epub 2023 May 29.

Abstract

Aging is one of the primary risk factors for the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and regular physical activity can help to delay, prevent, or manage the onset and development of many chronic diseases present in older adults. Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is thermogenic tissue that protects against age-related disease, but BAT activity decreases with age. In this review, we discuss how aging contributes to impaired BAT function by inducing a 'whitening' of the BAT and altering beta 3 adrenergic receptor (β3AR) signaling, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene expression, and mitochondria respiration, and potential mechanisms for exercise to counteract the effects of aging on BAT.

Keywords: Aging; Brown adipose tissue; Exercise; Mitochondria; UCP1.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue, Brown* / metabolism
  • Aged
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2* / metabolism
  • Exercise
  • Humans
  • Thermogenesis