Multiple inducible thermogenic mechanisms in the development of cold acclimatization

Abstract

Abstract Extreme cold environment can threaten human health and life through increasing the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, frostbite, and hypothermia. Insufficient heat production to maintain core body temperature is a major cause of cold injury. To cope with cold stress, human and other mammals have developed the capacity of cold acclimatization to adapt to such a harsh environment. Adaptive non-shivering thermogenesis is a ubiquitous form of cold acclimatization. This review article systematically summarizes the role of three inducible thermogenic forms, including food intake, circadian rhythms, and cold exposure in mediating non-shivering thermogenesis under cold exposure and presents the potential interventions for minimizing the adverse health consequences of cold temperature.