Involvement of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the control of energy storage and expenditure

Abstract

Within heterotrophic organisms, fat, sugar and protein are required to bring energy. In humans, energy homeostasis (i.e.the balance between energy intake and energy expenditure) is tightly regulated. Obesity, characterized by an excess of white fat mass, is a consequence of dysregulation of this balance in which decreased energy expenditure plays an important role. Among dietary components, fat represents approximately 30% of daily intake. Recent studies have shown that, besides its caloric input, fatty acid composition of fat represents an important qualitative issue. The impact of ω6 and ω3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on weight gain and development has been extensively studied. Interestingly, the role played by these polyunsaturated fatty acids in energy expenditure has been also characterized and will be discussed in relation to the various organs involved, in particular brown adipose tissue.