Mitochondrial thermogenesis and obesity

Abstract

Purpose of review 

Thermogenesis is activated at the expense of carbon molecules. Mitochondria play a dominant role in oxidation and parallel heat production since the recovery of oxidation energy is less than perfect. Recent data of mitochondriogenesis and mitochondrial thermogenesis may boost research into certain aspects of obesity.

Recent findings 

Recent studies have outlined the unexpected decreased thermogenesis that limits fat loss during prolonged food restriction. Activation of fat oxidation in skeletal muscle remains a strategy against fat accumulation, however. Certain adipose depots have the potential to promote thermogenesis, either using mitochondrial uncoupling protein or independently. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivators α and ß are important regulators of mitochondria thermogenesis. Brain mitochondria are involved in the control of refeeding after starvation. This dual action of mitochondria inform their role in thermogenesis and energy partitioning. The importance of thyroid hormones in mitochondria thermogenesis is also confirmed.

Summary 

The clinical and research implications of these findings are that the mechanisms inhibiting adaptive thermogenesis during diet restriction should be investigated. An important field of research is the contribution of transcriptional coactivators to adipocyte plasticity since adipocytes have an underestimated ability to oxidise fatty acids in addition to their role in triglyceride storage.