Hormonal factors in the control of the browning of white adipose tissue
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Updated: Feb 26, 2026

Isolation and Differentiation of Stromal Vascular Cells to Beige/Brite Cells
Published on: March 28, 2013
1College of Food Science, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, Fujian, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Adipose tissue has been historically classified into anabolic white adipose tissue (WAT) and catabolic brown adipose tissue (BAT). Recent studies have revealed the plasticity of WAT, where white adipocytes can be induced into 'brown-like' heat-producing adipocytes (BRITE or beige adipocytes). Recruiting and activating BRITE adipocytes in WAT (so-called 'browning') is believed to provide new avenues for the treatment of obesity-related diseases. A number of hormonal factors have been found to regulate BRITE adipose development and activity through autocrine, paracrine and systemic mechanisms. In this mini-review we will discuss the impact of these factors on the browning process, especially those hormonal factors identified with direct effects on white adipocytes.
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