Norepinephrine and T4 are predictors of fat mass gain in humans with cold-induced brown adipose tissue activation

Abstract

Context In healthy adults with detectable cold-induced brown adipose tissue activation (CIBA), the relationships between sympathetic nervous system (SNS) or thyroid activity during energy balance (EBL) with CIBA and body composition change are undetermined. Objective To investigate the relationships between CIBA and thermoneutral catecholamines and thyroid hormones measured during EBL and to determine if CIBA, catecholamines, or thyroid hormones predict body composition changes. Design, Setting, Participants, and Interventions Twelve healthy volunteers (seven male and five female) with positive CIBA [>2 standardized uptake value (g/mL)] had 24-hour energy expenditure (24hEE) assessed during EBL via whole-room indirect calorimetry while residing on a clinical research unit. Positron emission tomography/computed tomography scans were performed after exposure to 16°C for 2 hours to quantify CIBA. Main Outcome Measures CIBA, 24hEE during EBL, and thermoneutrality with concomitant measurement of urinary catecholamines and plasma free T3 and free T4. Body composition at baseline and 6 months by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results Lower urinary norepinephrine and free T4 were associated with higher CIBA (r = -0.65, P = 0.03; and r = -0.75, P < 0.01, respectively), but CIBA was not associated with 24hEE at thermoneutrality (P = 0.77). Lower CIBA (β = -3.5 kg/standardized uptake value; P < 0.01) predicted fat mass gain, whereas higher urinary norepinephrine and free T4 predicted future fat mass gain at 6 months (β = 3.0 kg per twofold difference in norepinephrine, P = 0.03; and β = 1.2 kg per 0.1-ng/dL difference in free T4, P = 0.03, respectively). Conclusion Lower SNS and free thyroid measurements at baseline indicate a greater capacity for CIBA, which may be predictive against fat mass gain.