Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 13, 2026
Differentiation and Imaging of Brown Adipocytes from the Stromal Vascular Fraction of Interscapular Adipose Tissue from Newborn Mice
Published on: February 3, 2023
Disease-associated adipose browning: current evidence and perspectives
Xiyue Zhang1, Xue Han1, Jiesi Xu1
1The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, P.R. China.
Pathological browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) is observed across various diseases, suggesting it may be an atypical stress response rather than a protective mechanism. Further research is needed to understand its role in disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Adipose tissue biology
- Metabolic adaptation
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Brown and beige adipose tissues are thermogenic adaptations in mammals.
- White adipose tissue (WAT) browning enhances energy expenditure.
- Pathological browning of WAT occurs in chronic diseases, but its significance is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence of pathological adipose tissue browning in human diseases and animal models.
- To explore the pathophysiological significance of adipose tissue browning in disease states.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies reporting adipose tissue browning.
- Analysis of pathological browning in conditions including cancers, kidney disease, burns, atherosclerosis, SARS-CoV-2, and sepsis.
Main Results:
- Adipose tissue browning is consistently observed across diverse pathological contexts.
- This browning may represent an atypical response to pathological stress, not its classical protective role.
Conclusions:
- The role of pathological browning as a compensatory mechanism or disease byproduct is unresolved.
- Future research should investigate triggers and functional outcomes of pathological browning to understand adipocyte plasticity and disease progression.
![Visualization and Quantification of Brown and Beige Adipose Tissues in Mice using [18F]FDG Micro-PET/MR Imaging](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F62460.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
