Different Protein Sources Enhance 18FDG-PET/MR Uptake of Brown Adipocytes in Male Subjects.

Background: The unique ability of brown adipocytes to increase metabolic rate suggests that they could be targeted as an obesity treatment.

Objective: The objective of the study was to search for new dietary factors that may enhance brown adipose tissue (BAT) activity.

Methods: The study group comprised 28 healthy non-smoking males, aged 21-42 years old. All volunteers underwent a physical examination and a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (75g-OGTT). Serum atrial and brain natriuretic peptide (ANP, BNP), PRD1-BF1-RIZ1 homologous domain containing 16 (PRDM16) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) measurements were taken, and 3-day food intake diaries were completed. Body composition measurements were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning and bioimpedance methods. An fluorodeoxyglucose-18 (FDG-18) uptake in BAT was assessed by positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance (PET/MR) in all participants after 2 h cold exposure. The results were adjusted for age, daily energy intake, and DXA lean mass.

Results: Subjects with detectable BAT (BAT) were characterized by a higher percentage of energy obtained from dietary protein and fat and higher muscle mass ( = 0.01, = 0.02 and = 0.04, respectively). In the BAT group, animal protein intake was positively associated (= 0.04), whereas the plant protein intake negatively correlated with BAT activity ( = 0.03). Additionally, the presence of BAT was inversely associated with BNP concentration in the 2 h of cold exposure ( = 0.002).

Conclusion: The outcomes of our study suggest that different macronutrient consumption may be a new way to modulate BAT activity leading to weight reduction.