Stimulation of non-shivering thermogenesis by bioactive compounds: A focus on gut microbiota-mediated mechanisms

Background

Non-shivering thermogenesis (NST), an essential mechanism for heat generation without shivering, primarily involves brown and beige fats. This process enhances thermal comfort and holds the potential for combating obesity and its metabolic consequences. Bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, terpenoids, and alkaloids— are known for their thermogenic effects. Despite their potential, the systemic bioavailability of these bioactive compounds is notably limited, a challenge primarily mitigated by the metabolic functions of the gut microbiota (GM), which enhances their absorption and effectiveness.

Scope and approach

This comprehensive review highlights the thermogenic potential of bioactive compounds and the pivotal role of GM and GM-derived metabolites in NST. It also discusses recent advances in understanding how bioactive compounds interact with GM to regulate NST, elucidating the underlying mechanisms that influence thermogenic processes and energy expenditure. The current challenges and future opportunities are addressed to advance the understanding in this field.

Key findings and conclusions

GM plays an indispensable role in NST-induced improvements in adipose tissue metabolism and energy expenditure. Critical GM metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs), and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), serve as key mediators in this process. Bioactive compounds, through modulation of GM composition, significantly influence SCFAs production and BAs metabolism, thereby activating NST pathways. Thus, harnessing the bioactive compound-GM axis represents a novel, promising dietary intervention to potentiate NST, enhance metabolic flexibility, and offer therapeutic potential in the prevention and treatment of obesity.