Loss of Uncoupling Protein 1 Expression in the Subcutaneous Adipose Tissue Predicts Childhood Obesity.

ABSTRACT: Stimulation of thermogenesis by inducing uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression in adipocytes is thought to promote weight loss by increasing energy expenditure, and it is postulated that the human newborn has thermogenic subcutaneous fat depots. However, it remains unclear whether a relevant number of UCP1-expressing (UCP1⁺) adipocytes exist in the early postnatal life. Here we studied the distribution of UCP1 and the expression of thermogenic genes in the subcutaneous adipose tissues of the human fetus, infant and child. We show that the deep layer of human fetal and neonatal subcutaneous fat, particularly the abdominal wall, is rich in UCP1⁺ adipocytes. These adipocytes develop in the late third trimester and persist throughout childhood, expressing a panel of gene

SUBMITTER: Gyurina K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10706300 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature