A recent study published on December 18, 2024, in the journal Aging, officially referred to as “Aging (Albany NY)” in MEDLINE/PubMed and as “Aging-US” by Web of Science, is titled “Brown Adipose Tissue Enhances Exercise Performance and Healthful Longevity.” This pioneering research was conducted by a Rutgers New Jersey Medical School team comprising Dorothy E. Vatner, Jie Zhang, and Stephen F. Vatner. Their study explores the beneficial roles of brown adipose tissue (BAT), a distinctive type of fat known for its ability to burn calories and generate heat, in augmenting exercise endurance and fostering healthy ageing.
Unlike the more common white fat, which primarily serves as an energy reserve, brown fat contributes to thermogenesis, helping the body maintain warmth while enhancing metabolic rates. The research presented by Vatner and her colleagues sheds light on the potential protective benefits of brown fat against various health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
The article summarises significant findings from various investigations focused on BAT. Although numerous studies have established that physical activity influences the activation of BAT and promotes an increase in its density, only a select few have shown direct evidence that BAT itself can boost exercise performance. A striking illustration of this is seen in the experiment involving RGS14 knockout mice—genetically engineered animals known for their extended lifespan. When BAT from these mice was transplanted into normal mice, the latter exhibited enhanced running endurance within three days following the transplant. In contrast, similar enhancements took considerably longer with brown fat derived from non-engineered mice.
These findings underscore the exceptional attributes of brown adipose tissue in improving physical performance and physiological functions. The researchers point out that BAT boosts blood flow and mitigates cellular stress, which could help counteract the muscle degradation, fatigue, and metabolic slowdown associated with ageing.
Furthermore, the implications of this research are profound. They suggest that developing therapies that emulate the effects of brown fat could introduce new strategies for boosting energy levels, sustaining a healthy body weight, and enhancing cardiovascular health. This groundbreaking study highlights the transformative potential of brown adipose tissue in promoting health and longevity through improved physical fitness and metabolic functions.
More information: Dorothy E. Vatner et al, Brown adipose tissue enhances exercise performance and healthful longevity, Aging-US. DOI: 10.18632/aging.206179
Journal information: Aging-US Provided by Impact Journals LLC
