Dataset Information

Altered brown fat thermoregulation and enhanced cold-induced thermogenesis in young, healthy, winter-swimming men.

ABSTRACT: The Scandinavian winter-swimming culture combines brief dips in cold water with hot sauna sessions, with conceivable effects on body temperature. We study thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT) in experienced winter-swimming men performing this activity 2-3 times per week. Our data suggest a lower thermal comfort state in the winter swimmers compared with controls, with a lower core temperature and absence of BAT activity. In response to cold, we observe greater increases in cold-induced thermogenesis and supraclavicular skin temperature in the winter swimmers, whereas BAT glucose uptake and muscle activity increase similarly to those of the controls. All subjects demonstrate nocturnal reduction in supraclavicular skin temperature, whereas a distinct peak occurs at 4:30-5:30 a.m. in the winter swimmers. Our data leverage understanding of BAT in adult human thermoregulation, suggest both heat and cold acclimation in winter swimmers, and propose winter swimming as a potential strategy for increasing energy expenditure.

SUBMITTER: Soberg S

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8561167 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Altered brown fat thermoregulation and enhanced cold-induced thermogenesis in young, healthy, winter-swimming men.

Søberg Susanna S Löfgren Johan J Philipsen Frederik E FE Jensen Michal M Hansen Adam E AE Ahrens Esben E Nystrup Kristin B KB Nielsen Rune D RD Sølling Christine C Wedell-Neergaard Anne-Sophie AS Berntsen Marianne M Loft Annika A Kjær Andreas A Gerhart-Hines Zachary Z Johannesen Helle H HH Pedersen Bente K BK Karstoft Kristian K Scheele Camilla C

Cell reports. Medicine 20211011 10

The Scandinavian winter-swimming culture combines brief dips in cold water with hot sauna sessions, with conceivable effects on body temperature. We study thermogenic brown adipose tissue (BAT) in experienced winter-swimming men performing this activity 2-3 times per week. Our data suggest a lower thermal comfort state in the winter swimmers compared with controls, with a lower core temperature and absence of BAT activity. In response to cold, we observe greater increases in cold-induced thermog ...[more]

PMID: 34755128

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Project description:IntroductionMild cold acclimation is known to increase brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity and cold-induced thermogenesis (CIT) in humans. We here tested the effect of a lifestyle with frequent exposure to extreme cold on BAT and CIT in a Dutch man known as 'the Iceman', who has multiple world records in withstanding extreme cold challenges. Furthermore, his monozygotic twin brother who has a 'normal' sedentary lifestyle without extreme cold exposures was measured.MethodsThe Iceman (subject A) and his brother (subject B) were studied during mild cold (13°C) and thermoneutral conditions (31°C). Measurements included BAT activity and respiratory muscle activity by [18F]FDG-PET/CT imaging and energy expenditure through indirect calorimetry. In addition, body temperatures, cardiovascular parameters, skin perfusion, and thermal sensation and comfort were measured. Finally, we determined polymorphisms for uncoupling protein-1 and β3-adrenergic receptor.ResultsSubjects had comparable BAT activity (A: 1144 SUVtotal and B: 1325 SUVtotal), within the range previously observed in young adult men. They were genotyped with the polymorphism for uncoupling protein-1 (G/G). CIT was relatively high (A: 40.1% and B: 41.9%), but unlike during our previous cold exposure tests in young adult men, here both subjects practiced a g-Tummo like breathing technique, which involves vigorous respiratory muscle activity. This was confirmed by high [18F]FDG-uptake in respiratory muscle.ConclusionNo significant differences were found between the two subjects, indicating that a lifestyle with frequent exposures to extreme cold does not seem to affect BAT activity and CIT. In both subjects, BAT was not higher compared to earlier observations, whereas CIT was very high, suggesting that g-Tummo like breathing during cold exposure may cause additional heat production by vigorous isometric respiratory muscle contraction. The results must be interpreted with caution given the low subject number and the fact that both participants practised the g-Tummo like breathing technique.

Dataset Information

Altered brown fat thermoregulation and enhanced cold-induced thermogenesis in young, healthy, winter-swimming men.

Publications

Altered brown fat thermoregulation and enhanced cold-induced thermogenesis in young, healthy, winter-swimming men.

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