Hibernoma: a clinical model for exploring the role of brown adipose tissue in the regulation of body weight?

Abstract

CONTEXT:

Hibernoma is a rare benign tumor histologically similar to brown adipose tissue. Some studies reported weight loss in patients with this tumor; however, the mechanisms have never been investigated.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of hibernoma resection on the whole-body metabolism.

PATIENT AND METHODS:

A 68-year-old woman was examined after a weight loss of 10 kg in 6 months. Body composition, food intake, physical activity, blood levels of thyroid hormones, and lipid profile were assessed before surgery and during 1 year after surgery. The patient's resting energy expenditure (REE) over time was compared to a control group of 18 matched healthy volunteers.

RESULTS:

Within 1 year after hibernoma resection, the patient gained 15 kg of body weight. This was associated with fat mass gain (+41%), mainly in the abdominal region (+48%). The patient also developed hepatic nonalcoholic steatosis, mild hypertriglyceridemia, and reduced levels of high-density lipoproteins. REE increased during the dynamic phase of weight gain, compared to the presurgery measurement, and returned to baseline after 1 year. Food intake was increased by 37.5% 6 weeks after resection of the hibernoma and returned to baseline values within 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS:

In our study conditions, hibernoma did not alter REE, but weight gain did. Specific physical activities and dietetic follow-ups are suggested for those patients to prevent excess fat mass gain and metabolic disorders after hibernoma resection. More studies should focus on hibernoma mechanisms inducing weight loss.

• Authors: Emilie Gadea, Emilie Thivat, Rodolphe Paulon, Florence Mishellany, Pierre Gimbergues, Frédéric Capel, Laurent Mosoni, Charles Merlin, Marc Lombès, Béatrice Morio, Xavier Durando
• Journal: The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism (J Clin Endocrinol Metab) Vol. 99 Issue 1 Pg. 1-6 (Jan 2014) ISSN: 1945-7197 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 24152683 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Adipose Tissue, Brown (pathology, physiology)
• Aged
• Body Weight (physiology)
• Energy Metabolism (physiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Lipoma (metabolism, physiopathology, surgery)
• Models, Biological
• Weight Loss (physiology)