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The dark side of browning.

Kirstin A Tamucci1,2, Maria Namwanje2, Lihong Fan2

  • 1Institute of Human Nutrition, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.

Protein & Cell
|July 6, 2017
PubMed
Summary

White adipose tissue (WAT) browning offers metabolic benefits but carries risks. This review examines adverse effects of WAT browning and proposes strategies to harness its therapeutic potential for metabolic diseases.

Keywords:
adipocytebeige adipocytebrowningdiabetesobesitythermogenesis

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Area of Science:

  • Metabolic science
  • Adipose tissue biology
  • Obesity research

Background:

  • White adipose tissue (WAT) browning, inducing brown-like adipocytes, offers metabolic advantages like reduced adiposity and increased energy expenditure.
  • WAT browning is explored for reversing obesity and related conditions, but recent findings reveal detrimental effects.
  • Understanding the dual nature of WAT browning is crucial for therapeutic development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the adverse outcomes associated with both excessive and insufficient WAT browning.
  • To discuss the harmful side effects of agents used to induce WAT browning.
  • To explore the molecular mechanisms regulating WAT browning, including proposed brake-switch systems.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on WAT browning.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involved in adipocyte development.
  • Evaluation of therapeutic agents and their side effects.

Main Results:

  • Both overactive and underactive WAT browning can lead to adverse health outcomes.
  • Browning agents may possess harmful side effects that need careful consideration.
  • A molecular brake-switch system is proposed to regulate WAT browning activity.

Conclusions:

  • Developing strategies that balance metabolic improvements with mitigation of adverse effects is essential.
  • Novel approaches are needed to safely utilize WAT browning for treating metabolic diseases.
  • Targeting the molecular regulators of WAT browning may unlock its full therapeutic potential.