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Ishida Y, Matsushita M, Yoneshiro T, Saito M, Nakayama K. Association between thermogenic brown fat and genes under positive natural selection in circumpolar populations. J Physiol Anthropol 2024; 43:19. [PMID: 39160621 PMCID: PMC11331686 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-024-00368-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adaptation to cold was essential for human migration across Eurasia. Non-shivering thermogenesis through brown adipose tissue (BAT) participates in cold adaptation because some genes involved in the differentiation and function of BAT exhibit signatures of positive natural selection in populations at high latitudes. Whether these genes are associated with the inter-individual variability in BAT thermogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the potential associations between BAT activity and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate gene regions in East Asian populations. METHODS BAT activity induced by mild cold exposure was measured in 399 healthy Japanese men and women using fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT). The capacity for cold-induced thermogenesis and fat oxidation was measured in 56 men. Association analyses with physiological traits were performed for 11 SNPs at six loci (LEPR, ANGPTL8, PLA2G2A, PLIN1, TBX15-WARS2, and FADS1) reported to be under positive natural selection. Associations found in the FDG-PET/CT population were further validated in 84 healthy East Asian men and women, in whom BAT activity was measured using infrared thermography. Associations between the SNP genotypes and BAT activity or other related traits were tested using multiple logistic and linear regression models. RESULTS Of the 11 putative adaptive alleles of the six genes, two intronic SNPs in LEPR (rs1022981 and rs12405556) tended to be associated with higher BAT activity. However, these did not survive multiple test comparisons. Associations with lower body fat percentage, plasma triglyceride, insulin, and HOMA-IR levels were observed in the FDG-PET/CT population (P < 0.05). Other loci, including TBX15-WARS2, which is speculated to mediate cold adaptation in Greenland Inuits, did not show significant differences in BAT thermogenesis. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a marginal but significant association between LEPR SNPs. However, robust supporting evidence was not established for the involvement of other loci under positive natural selection in cold adaptation through BAT thermogenesis in East Asian adults. Given the pleiotropic function of these genes, factors other than cold adaptation through BAT thermogenesis, such as diet adaptation, may contribute to positive natural selection at these loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Ishida
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan
| | - Mami Matsushita
- Department of Nutrition, School of Nursing and Nutrition, Tenshi College, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 065-0013, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yoneshiro
- Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8575, Japan
| | - Masayuki Saito
- Department of Nutrition, School of Nursing and Nutrition, Tenshi College, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 065-0013, Japan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-0818, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nakayama
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 5-1-5 Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8562, Japan.
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Zhu Y, Liu W, Qi Z. Adipose tissue browning and thermogenesis under physiologically energetic challenges: a remodelled thermogenic system. J Physiol 2024; 602:23-48. [PMID: 38019069 DOI: 10.1113/jp285269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes are often thought to be caused by reduced energy expenditure, which poses a serious threat to human health. Cold exposure, exercise and caloric restriction have been shown to promote adipose tissue browning and thermogenesis. These physiological interventions increase energy expenditure and thus have emerged as promising strategies for mitigating metabolic disorders. However, that increased adipose tissue browning and thermogenesis elevate thermogenic consumption is not a reasonable explanation when humans and animals confront energetic challenges imposed by these interventions. In this review, we collected numerous results on adipose tissue browning and whitening and evaluated this bi-directional conversion of adipocytes from the perspective of energy homeostasis. Here, we propose a new interpretation of the role of adipose tissue browning under energetic challenges: increased adipose tissue browning and thermogenesis under energy challenge is not to enhance energy expenditure, but to reestablish a more economical thermogenic pattern to maintain the core body temperature. This can be achieved by enhancing the contribution of non-shivering thermogenesis (adipose tissue browning and thermogenesis) and lowering shivering thermogenesis and high intensity shivering. Consequently, the proportion of heat production in fat increases and that in skeletal muscle decreases, enabling skeletal muscle to devote more energy reserves to overcoming environmental stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupeng Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- School of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Sino-French Joint Research Center of Sport Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weina Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- School of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengtang Qi
- The Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention (Ministry of Education), East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- School of Physical Education and Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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3
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Li M, Gao M, Jia M, Lu Y, Zhai Y, Lu H. ISRIB alleviates aging-associated brown fat UCP1 translational repression and thermogenic deficiency. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 673:179-186. [PMID: 37393756 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.06.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
Upon cold exposure, aged people with lower metabolic rate cannot rapidly increase the higher levels of heat production, and are seriously threatened by the hypothermia, extensive cold stress responses and risk of mortality. Here, we show that brown fat thermogenic activity is obviously deficient in aged mice, associating with reduction of UCP1 expression and inhibition of its mRNA translation. As we considered, aging aggravates brown fat oxidative stress and activates the integrated stress response (ISR), inducing the phosphorylation of eIF2α to block the global mRNA translation. Therefore, small-molecule ISR inhibitor (ISRIB) treatment attenuates the higher level of eIF2α phosphorylation, restores the repression of Ucp1 mRNA translation and improves UCP1-mediated thermogenic function to defend cold stress in aged mice. Furthermore, ISRIB treatment increases the relative lower metabolic rates, and alleviates glucose intolerance and insulin resistance in aged mice. Thus, we have uncovered a promising drug that reverses the aged-related the deficiency of UCP1-mediated thermogenesis to combat cold stress and associated metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muze Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengjie Gao
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Meiqi Jia
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yifan Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China; School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yue Zhai
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Huanyu Lu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Ministry of Education Key Lab of Hazard Assessment and Control in Special Operational Environment, School of Public Health, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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4
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Wang O, Han L, Lin H, Tian M, Zhang S, Duan B, Chung S, Zhang C, Lian X, Wang Y, Lei Y. Fabricating 3-dimensional human brown adipose microtissues for transplantation studies. Bioact Mater 2022; 22:518-534. [PMID: 36330162 PMCID: PMC9619153 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2022.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Transplanting cell cultured brown adipocytes (BAs) represents a promising approach to prevent and treat obesity (OB) and its associated metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, transplanted BAs have a very low survival rate in vivo. The enzymatic dissociation during the harvest of fully differentiated BAs also loses significant cells. There is a critical need for novel methods that can avoid cell death during cell preparation, transplantation, and in vivo. Here, we reported that preparing BAs as injectable microtissues could overcome the problem. We found that 3D culture promoted BA differentiation and UCP-1 expression, and the optimal initial cell aggregate size was 100 μm. The microtissues could be produced at large scales via 3D suspension assisted with a PEG hydrogel and could be cryopreserved. Fabricated microtissues could survive in vivo for long term. They alleviated body weight and fat gain and improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced OB and T2DM mice. Transplanted microtissues impacted multiple organs, secreted protein factors, and influenced the secretion of endogenous adipokines. To our best knowledge, this is the first report on fabricating human BA microtissues and showing their safety and efficacy in T2DM mice. The proposal of transplanting fabricated BA microtissues, the microtissue fabrication method, and the demonstration of efficacy in T2DM mice are all new. Our results show that engineered 3D human BA microtissues have considerable advantages in product scalability, storage, purity, safety, dosage, survival, and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ou Wang
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Li Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Haishuang Lin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Mingmei Tian
- China Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Shuyang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Bin Duan
- Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program and Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Soonkyu Chung
- Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Chi Zhang
- School of Biological Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE, USA
| | - Xiaojun Lian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
| | - Yuguo Lei
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
- Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA
- Corresponding author. The Pennsylvania State University, PA, USA.
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Luo J, Shen S, Xia J, Wang J, Gu Z. Mitochondria as the Essence of Yang Qi in the Human Body. PHENOMICS (CHAM, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 2:336-348. [PMID: 36939762 PMCID: PMC9590506 DOI: 10.1007/s43657-022-00060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The concept of Yang Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has many similarities with mitochondria in modern medicine. Both are indispensable to human beings and closely related to life and death. This article discusses the similarities in various aspects between mitochondria and Yang Qi, including body temperature, aging, newborns, circadian rhythm, immunity, and meridian. It is well-known that Yang Qi is vital for human health. Interestingly, decreased mitochondrial function is thought to be key to the development of various diseases. Here, we further explain diseases induced by Yang Qi deficiency, such as cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disorder, senile dementia, and metabolic diseases, from the perspective of mitochondrial function. We aim to establish similarities and connections between two important concepts, and hope our essay can stimulate further discussion and investigation on unifying important concepts in western medicine and alternative medicine, especially TCM, and provide unique holistic insights into understanding human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Luo
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Shiwei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Jingjing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Zhenglong Gu
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, 511458 China
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Gagnon CM, Svardal H, Jasinska AJ, Danzy Cramer J, Freimer NB, Paul Grobler J, Turner TR, Schmitt CA. Evidence of selection in the uncoupling protein 1 gene region suggests local adaptation to solar irradiance in savannah monkeys ( Chlorocebus spp.). Proc Biol Sci 2022; 289:20221254. [PMID: 36100027 PMCID: PMC9470266 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last 300 thousand years, the genus Chlorocebus expanded from equatorial Africa into the southernmost latitudes of the continent, where colder climate was a probable driver of natural selection. We investigated population-level genetic variation in the mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) gene region-implicated in non-shivering thermogenesis (NST)-in 73 wild savannah monkeys from three taxa representing this southern expansion (Chlorocebus pygerythrus hilgerti, Chlorocebus cynosuros and Chlorocebus pygerythrus pygerythrus) ranging from Kenya to South Africa. We found 17 single nucleotide polymorphisms with extended haplotype homozygosity consistent with positive selective sweeps, 10 of which show no significant linkage disequilibrium with each other. Phylogenetic generalized least-squares modelling with ecological covariates suggest that most derived allele frequencies are significantly associated with solar irradiance and winter precipitation, rather than overall low temperatures. This selection and association with irradiance is demonstrated by a relatively isolated population in the southern coastal belt of South Africa. We suggest that sunbathing behaviours common to savannah monkeys, in combination with the strength of solar irradiance, may mediate adaptations to thermal stress via NST among savannah monkeys. The variants we discovered all lie in non-coding regions, some with previously documented regulatory functions, calling for further validation and research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hannes Svardal
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Anna J. Jasinska
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA
| | | | - Nelson B. Freimer
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - J. Paul Grobler
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State 9301, South Africa
| | - Trudy R. Turner
- Department of Genetics, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Free State 9301, South Africa
- Department of Anthropology, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53201, USA
| | - Christopher A. Schmitt
- Department of Anthropology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Kumar R, T A, Singothu S, Singh SB, Bhandari V. Uncoupling proteins as a therapeutic target for the development of new era drugs against neurodegenerative disorder. Pharmacotherapy 2022; 147:112656. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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8
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Yasukochi Y, Shin S, Wakabayashi H, Maeda T. Upregulation of cathepsin L gene under mild cold conditions in young Japanese male adults. J Physiol Anthropol 2021; 40:16. [PMID: 34686211 PMCID: PMC8533667 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-021-00267-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physiological thermoregulatory systems in humans have been a key factor for adaptation to local environments after their exodus from Africa, particularly, to cold environments outside Africa. Recent studies using high-throughput sequencing have identified various genes responsible for cold adaptation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying initial thermoregulation in response to acute cold exposure remain unclear. Therefore, we investigated transcriptional profiles of six young Japanese male adults exposed to acute cold stress. METHODS In a climatic chamber, the air temperature was maintained at 28°C for 65 min and was then gradually decreased to 19°C for 70 min. Saliva samples were obtained from the subjects at 28°C before and after 19°C cold exposure and were used for RNA sequencing. RESULTS In the cold exposure experiment, expression levels of 14 genes were significantly changed [false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.05] although the degree of transcriptional changes was not high due to experimental conditions or blunted transcriptional reaction in saliva to cold stress. As a result, differential gene expression analyses detected the cathepsin L (CTSL) gene to be significantly upregulated, with FDR < 0.05 and log2 fold change value > 1; thus, this gene was identified as a differentially expressed gene. Given that the cathepsin L protein is related to invasion of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), mild cold stress might alter the susceptibility to coronavirus disease-19 in humans. The gene ontology enrichment analysis for 14 genes with FDR < 0.05 suggested that immune-related molecules could be activated by mild cold stress. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained from this study indicate that CTSL expression levels can be altered by acute mild cold stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Yasukochi
- Department of Human Functional Genomics, Advanced Science Research Promotion Center, Organization for the Promotion of Regional Innovation, Mie University, 1577 Kurima-machiya, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
- Department of Genome Analysis, Institute of Biomedical Science, Kansai Medical University, 2-5-1 Shinmachi, Hirakata, Osaka, 573-1010, Japan.
| | - Sora Shin
- Department of Human Science, Graduate School of Design, Kyushu University, 4-9-1 Shiobaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 815-8540, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Wakabayashi
- Faculty of Engineering, Hokkaido University, N13 W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, 060-8628, Japan
| | - Takafumi Maeda
- Department of Human Science, Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, 4-9-1 Shiobaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 815-8540, Japan
- Physiological Anthropology Research Center, Faculty of Design, Kyushu University, 4-9-1 Shiobaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 815-8540, Japan
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Brzęk P. Sex differences in nonshivering thermogenesis in the wild. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 536:111402. [PMID: 34302908 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Nonshivering thermogenesis (NST) is a key mechanism that allows mammals to control their body temperature. Sex can frequently affect thermoregulatory requirements; therefore, males and females can be expected to differ significantly in their NST capacity. Several sex-related differences in NST have been described in laboratory animals and humans; however, these parameters are relatively rarely studied in animals living under natural conditions. Here, I briefly review factors that may be responsible for this disparity and point out two situations that should be particularly promising in searching for sex differences in NST under natural conditions: the lactation period and potential mitonuclear conflicts over NST control in species with genetic polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Brzęk
- Faculty of Biology, University of Białystok, Ciołkowskiego 1J, 15-245, Białystok, Poland.
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Hybridization with mountain hares increases the functional allelic repertoire in brown hares. Sci Rep 2021; 11:15771. [PMID: 34349207 PMCID: PMC8338973 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-95357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Brown hares (Lepus europaeus Pallas) are able to hybridize with mountain hares (L. timidus Linnaeus) and produce fertile offspring, which results in cross-species gene flow. However, not much is known about the functional significance of this genetic introgression. Using targeted sequencing of candidate loci combined with mtDNA genotyping, we found the ancestral genetic diversity in the Finnish brown hare to be small, likely due to founder effect and range expansion, while gene flow from mountain hares constitutes an important source of functional genetic variability. Some of this variability, such as the alleles of the mountain hare thermogenin (uncoupling protein 1, UCP1), might have adaptive advantage for brown hares, whereas immunity-related MHC alleles are reciprocally exchanged and maintained via balancing selection. Our study offers a rare example where an expanding species can increase its allelic variability through hybridization with a congeneric native species, offering a route to shortcut evolutionary adaptation to the local environmental conditions.
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Suchacki KJ, Stimson RH. Nutritional Regulation of Human Brown Adipose Tissue. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13061748. [PMID: 34063868 PMCID: PMC8224032 DOI: 10.3390/nu13061748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent identification of brown adipose tissue in adult humans offers a new strategy to increase energy expenditure to treat obesity and associated metabolic disease. While white adipose tissue (WAT) is primarily for energy storage, brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a thermogenic organ that increases energy expenditure to generate heat. BAT is activated upon cold exposure and improves insulin sensitivity and lipid clearance, highlighting its beneficial role in metabolic health in humans. This review provides an overview of BAT physiology in conditions of overnutrition (obesity and associated metabolic disease), undernutrition and in conditions of altered fat distribution such as lipodystrophy. We review the impact of exercise, dietary macronutrients and bioactive compounds on BAT activity. Finally, we discuss the therapeutic potential of dietary manipulations or supplementation to increase energy expenditure and BAT thermogenesis. We conclude that chronic nutritional interventions may represent a useful nonpharmacological means to enhance BAT mass and activity to aid weight loss and/or improve metabolic health.
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KOGANEBUCHI KAE, OOTA HIROKI. Paleogenomics of human remains in East Asia and Yaponesia focusing on current advances and future directions. ANTHROPOL SCI 2021. [DOI: 10.1537/ase.2011302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- KAE KOGANEBUCHI
- Laboratory of Genome Anthropology, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
- Advanced Medical Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara
- Department of Human Biology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Nishihara
| | - HIROKI OOTA
- Laboratory of Genome Anthropology, Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, University of Tokyo, Tokyo
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Effect of EGLN1 Genetic Polymorphisms on Hemoglobin Concentration in Andean Highlanders. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:3436581. [PMID: 33282944 PMCID: PMC7686849 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3436581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The physiological characteristics of Andean natives living at high altitudes have been investigated extensively, with many studies reporting that Andean highlanders have a higher hemoglobin (Hb) concentration than other highlander populations. It has previously been reported that positive natural selection has acted independently on the egl-9 family hypoxia inducible factor 1 (EGLN1) gene in Tibetan and Andean highlanders and is related to Hb concentration in Tibetans. However, no study has yet revealed the genetic determinants of Hb concentration in Andeans even though several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in EGLN1 have previously been examined. Therefore, we explored the relationship between hematological measurements and tag SNPs designed to cover the whole EGLN1 genomic region in Andean highlanders living in Bolivia. Our findings indicated that haplotype frequencies estimated from the EGLN1 SNPs were significantly correlated with Hb concentration in the Bolivian highlanders. Moreover, we found that an Andean-dominant haplotype related to high Hb level may have expanded rapidly in ancestral Andean highlander populations. Analysis of genotype data in an ~436.3 kb genomic region containing EGLN1 using public databases indicated that the population structure based on EGLN1 genetic markers in Andean highlanders was largely different from that in other human populations. This finding may be related to an intrinsic or adaptive physiological characteristic of Andean highlanders. In conclusion, the high Hb concentrations in Andean highlanders can be partly characterized by EGLN1 genetic variants.
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Multiorgan contribution to non-shivering and shivering thermogenesis and vascular responses during gradual cold exposure in humans. Eur J Appl Physiol 2020; 120:2737-2747. [PMID: 32948898 DOI: 10.1007/s00421-020-04496-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Human brown adipose tissue (BAT) is known to be a significant thermoeffector in non-shivering thermogenesis (NST), albeit with individual variations in the BAT activity. We hypothesized that humans with less BAT would have more contribution from the skeletal muscle (SM) to NST or earlier shivering onset and greater vasoconstriction to compensate for less BAT-mediated thermogenesis. METHODS Eighteen males participated in this study. Their BAT activity and detectable volume were investigated. A gradual cold exposure was conducted for inducing NST at 18.6 °C and initiating shivering at 11.6 °C. The energy expenditure, electromyograph of the pectoralis major, skin blood flow, and rectal (Tre) and skin temperatures were evaluated. RESULTS BAT volume significantly correlated with the change in metabolic heat production during mild cold phase relative to baseline (NST; r = 0.562, P < 0.05), but not with shivering initiation phase (NST+ ST). SM mass correlated with baseline metabolic heat production (Mbase; r = 0.839, P < 0.01) but not with NST or NST + ST. A positive correlation was noted between BAT volume and Tre at the end of the 18.6 °C exposure period (r = 0.586, P < 0.05), which positively correlated with shivering onset time (r = 0.553, P < 0.05). The skin blood flow, mean skin temperature, and forearm and finger skin temperature difference at the end of the 18.6 °C exposure period did not correlate with NST or BAT volume. CONCLUSION BAT volume positively correlated with NST. Notably, lower Tre in individuals with less BAT volume induced earlier shivering onset for offsetting the less NST. Whereas, no correlation between metabolic and vasomotor responses was observed.
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da Fonseca ACP, da Fonseca GP, Marchesini B, Voigt DD, Campos Junior M, Zembrzuski VM, Carneiro JRI, Nogueira Neto JF, Cabello PH, Cabello GMK. Genetic Variants in the Activation of the Brown-Like Adipocyte Pathway and the Risk for Severe Obesity. Obes Facts 2020; 13:130-143. [PMID: 32325455 PMCID: PMC7250364 DOI: 10.1159/000505666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regular physical activity has an important role in energy expenditure and combats the development of obesity. During exercise, PPARGC1A is overexpressed, stimulating an increase of the expression of FNDC5. This protein is cleaved to release the hormone irisin, which activates a browning process in white adipose tissue through an increase in UCP1 expression. As a result, irisin leads to mitochondrial heat production and energy expenditure. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic variants in genes related to browning are associated with severe obesity and obesity-related features. This case-control study comprised 210 individuals with severe obesity (median body mass index [BMI] 45.6 [range 40.5-52.2]) and 191 normal-weight subjects (BMI 22.8 [21.1-23.9]). METHODS Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood and the genotypes of the PPARGC1A(rs8192678, rs3736265, rs2970847, and rs3755863) and UCP1 (rs6536991 and rs12502572) genes were obtained using Taqman® assay. For the FNDC5 gene, screening of exons 3-5 as well as their intron-exon boundaries was performed using automatic sequencing. RESULTS Our results demonstrated that PPARGC1Ars2970847 and UCP1rs12502572 are associated with severe obesity. Furthermore, these polymorphisms influence anthropometric traits, such as BMI, body weight, and body adiposity index. Our findings also showed a dose-effect relationship between PPARGC1A rs8192678 and fasting plasma glucose. Finally, 5 rare mutations were identified in FNDC5, and 1 of these is a novel missense mutation. CONCLUSION This study shows that genetic variants in the activation of brown-like adipocyte pathway play an important role in the susceptibility to severe obesity.
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MESH Headings
- Adipocytes/physiology
- Adipocytes, Brown/physiology
- Adipose Tissue, Brown/physiology
- Adipose Tissue, White/metabolism
- Adipose Tissue, White/physiology
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Body Mass Index
- Case-Control Studies
- Cell Transdifferentiation/genetics
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Energy Metabolism/genetics
- Female
- Fibronectins/genetics
- Genotype
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Mutation, Missense
- Obesity, Morbid/genetics
- Obesity, Morbid/metabolism
- Obesity, Morbid/physiopathology
- Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Coactivator 1-alpha/genetics
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruna Marchesini
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Mario Campos Junior
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - João Regis Ivar Carneiro
- Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Pedro Hernan Cabello
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Oswaldo Cruz Institute/Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Human Genetics Laboratory, Grande Rio University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Keiller DR, Gordon DA. The plateau at V˙ O 2max is associated with anaerobic alleles. J Sci Med Sport 2019; 23:506-511. [PMID: 31924536 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsams.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study tests the hypothesis that individuals who achieve a plateau at V˙ O2max (V˙ O2plat) are more likely to possess alleles, associated with anaerobic capacity, than those who do not. DESIGN A literature survey, physiological testing and genetic analysis was used to determine any association between the aerobic and anaerobic polymorphisms of 40 genes and V˙ O2plat. METHODS 34, healthy, Caucasian volunteers, completed an exercise test to determine V˙ O2max, and V˙ O2plat. 28 of the volunteers agreed to DNA testing and 26 were successfully genotyped. A literature search was used to determine whether the 40 polymorphisms analysed were associated with aerobic, or anaerobic exercise performance. RESULTS The literature survey enabled classification of the 40 target alleles as aerobic [11], anaerobic [24], or having no apparent association (NAA) [5] with exercise performance. It also found no previous studies linking a genetic component with the ability to achieve V˙ O2plat. Independent t-tests showed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the ability to achieve V˙ O2plat, but no other measured physiological variable was significantly different. Pearson's χ2 testing demonstrated a highly significant association (p = 0.008) between anaerobic allele frequency and V˙ O2plat, but not with V˙ O2max. There was no association between aerobic alleles and V˙ O2plat, or V˙ O2max. Finally there were no significant differences in the allelic frequencies, observed in this study and those expected of Northern and Western European Caucasians. CONCLUSION These results support the hypothesis that the ability to achieve V˙ O2plat is associated with alleles linked to anaerobic exercise capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Don R Keiller
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Anglia Ruskin University, UK.
| | - Dan A Gordon
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, School Psychology and Sports Science, Anglia Ruskin University, UK
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Nakayama K, Inaba Y. Genetic variants influencing obesity-related traits in Japanese population. Ann Hum Biol 2019; 46:298-304. [PMID: 31307227 DOI: 10.1080/03014460.2019.1644373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Context: Adipose tissue is the main organ that stores energy and participates in adaptive thermogenesis of the human body. The adipose tissue content in an individual is determined by a combination of genetic factors and lifestyle related factors. While Japanese people, along with the closely related East Asians, are generally thinner than individuals of European ancestry, they are prone to accumulating visceral adipose tissues. Genome-wide discovery of loci influencing obesity-related traits, and application of the genome sequence data to assess natural selection, provides evidence that the obesity-related traits in East Asians might be shaped by natural selection. Objective: This review aims to summarise health and evolutionary implications of genetic variants influencing obesity-related traits in Japanese. Methods: This study gathered recently published papers of medical, genetic and evolutionary studies regarding obesity-related traits in the Japanese and closely related East Asians. Results and conclusion: A high susceptibility to central obesity of Japanese and closely related East Asians might have been shaped by natural selection favouring thrifty genotypes. Moreover, natural selection favouring higher thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissues would contribute to increased non-thrifty alleles in ancestors of East Asians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Nakayama
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo , Chiba , Japan
| | - Yuta Inaba
- Laboratory of Evolutionary Anthropology, Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo , Chiba , Japan
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Ježek P, Jabůrek M, Porter RK. Uncoupling mechanism and redox regulation of mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1). BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOENERGETICS 2019; 1860:259-269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2018.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Sellayah D. The Impact of Early Human Migration on Brown Adipose Tissue Evolution and Its Relevance to the Modern Obesity Pandemic. J Endocr Soc 2018; 3:372-386. [PMID: 30723844 PMCID: PMC6354082 DOI: 10.1210/js.2018-00363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic factors are believed to be primarily responsible for obesity; however, an understanding of how genes for obesity have become so prevalent in modern society has proved elusive. Several theories have attempted to explain the genetic basis for obesity, but none of these appear to factor in the interethnic variation in obesity. Emerging evidence is increasingly pointing to a link between reduced basal metabolism and ineffective brown adipose tissue (BAT) thermogenesis. In fact, BAT presence and function are strongly correlated with metabolic rates and directly influence obesity susceptibility. My colleagues and I recently theorized that ancestral exposure to cold necessitated the evolution of enhanced BAT thermogenesis, which, with today’s hypercaloric and sedentary lifestyle, becomes advantageous, because thermogenesis is energetically wasteful, raising basal metabolism and burning excess calories. The opposite may be true for the descendants of heat-adapted populations. This review further reconciles global evolutionary climatic exposures with obesity demographics to understand the genetic basis for the obesity pandemic, and new insights from the most recent studies are provided, including those assessing archaic human admixture. Key genetic variants influencing BAT thermogenesis are outlined that have also been linked with climatic exposure to cold and appear to support the theory that evolutionary factors relevant to climate may have shaped the modern obesity pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dyan Sellayah
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom
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20
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Bize P, Lowe I, Lehto Hürlimann M, Heckel G. Effects of the Mitochondrial and Nuclear Genomes on Nonshivering Thermogenesis in a Wild Derived Rodent. Integr Comp Biol 2018; 58:532-543. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icy072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Bize
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, AB24 2TZ Aberdeen, UK
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Imogen Lowe
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Zoology Building, AB24 2TZ Aberdeen, UK
| | - Mikko Lehto Hürlimann
- Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Gerald Heckel
- Computational and Molecular Population Genetics, Institute of Ecology and Evolution, University of Bern, Hochschulstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland
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Yasukochi Y, Nishimura T, Motoi M, Watanuki S. Association of EGLN1 genetic polymorphisms with SpO 2 responses to acute hypobaric hypoxia in a Japanese cohort. J Physiol Anthropol 2018; 37:9. [PMID: 29625625 PMCID: PMC5889538 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-018-0169-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent studies have explored various genetic and physiological factors related to high-altitude adaptation in highlander populations. However, the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), influencing such adaptation, on physiological responses to hypobaric hypoxia have not been examined in lowlanders with lowlander ancestry. Thus, we aimed to investigate the association between SNPs around the EGLN1 genomic region, possibly involved in high-altitude adaptation, and physiological changes to hypobaric hypoxia exposure in a cohort of Japanese lowlanders. Methods Physiological data were obtained from 46 healthy Japanese male students under different atmospheric pressure conditions (equivalent to sea level and altitudes of 2500 and 4000 m). Genotypes of seven SNPs around EGLN1 were determined in all subjects by PCR-direct sequencing or TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Results Results of the association study suggest that percutaneous arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) responses of individuals with rs12097901 and rs2790859 alleles, whose frequencies are high in highlander populations (HL alleles), may be susceptible to acute hypobaric hypoxia. SpO2 levels of individuals with HL alleles were lower than those of individuals with non-HL alleles. At the same time, the subjects with HL alleles did not appear to have any remarkable hematological or pulmonary features that may counteract the low levels of SpO2. One may hypothesize that the low SpO2 levels in HL allele carriers could be a risk factor for acute mountain sickness in Japanese population. Conclusions Our findings suggest that rs12097901 and rs2790859 genotypes affect SpO2 responses and may be associated with the susceptibility to acute hypobaric hypoxia in Japanese population. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40101-018-0169-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiki Yasukochi
- Department of Human Functional Genomics, Advanced Science Research Promotion Center, Organization for the Promotion of Regional Innovation, Mie University, 1577 Kurima-machiya, Tsu, Mie, 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Takayuki Nishimura
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Midori Motoi
- Department of Public Health, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-12-4 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8523, Japan
| | - Shigeki Watanuki
- Department of Human Science, Kyushu University, 4-9-1 Shiobaru, Minami-ku, Fukuoka, 815-8540, Japan
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Abstract
The processes of thermoregulation are roughly divided into two categories: autonomic and behavioral. Behavioral thermoregulation alone does not have the capacity to regulate core temperature, as autonomic thermoregulation. However, behavioral thermoregulation is often utilized to maintain core temperature in a normal environment and is critical for surviving extreme environments. Thermal comfort, i.e., the hedonic component of thermal perception, is believed to be important for initiating and/or activating behavioral thermoregulation. However, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. Thermal comfort is usually obtained when thermal stimuli to the skin restore core temperature to a regulated level. Conversely, thermal discomfort is produced when thermal stimuli result in deviations of core temperature away from a regulated level. Regional differences in the thermal sensitivity of the skin, hypohydration, and adaptation of the skin may affect thermal perception. Thermal comfort and discomfort seem to be determined by brain mechanisms, not by peripheral mechanisms such as thermal sensing by the skin. The insular and cingulate cortices may play a role in assessing thermal comfort and discomfort. In addition, brain sites involved in decision making may trigger behavioral responses to environmental changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nagashima
- Body Temperature and Fluid Laboratory, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan.
| | - Ken Tokizawa
- National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuri Marui
- Body Temperature and Fluid Laboratory, Faculty of Human Sciences, Waseda University, Saitama, Japan
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