Therapeutic Perspectives of Thermogenic Adipocytes in Obesity and Related Complications |
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Authors: | Chih-Hao Wang Yau-Huei Wei |
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Affiliation: | 1.Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan;2.Center for Mitochondrial Medicine and Free Radical Research, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua City 50046, Taiwan;3.Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan |
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Abstract: | There is a rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity and related metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes worldwide. White adipose tissue (WAT) stores excess energy, whereas brown and beige adipose tissues consume energy to generate heat in the process of thermogenesis. Adaptive thermogenesis occurs in response to environmental cues as a means of generating heat by dissipating stored chemical energy. Due to its cumulative nature, very small differences in energy expenditure from adaptive thermogenesis can have a significant impact on systemic metabolism over time. Targeting brown adipose tissue (BAT) activation and converting WAT to beige fat as a method to increase energy expenditure is one of the promising strategies to combat obesity. In this review, we discuss the activation of the thermogenic process in response to physiological conditions. We highlight recent advances in harnessing the therapeutic potential of thermogenic adipocytes by genetic, pharmacological and cell-based approaches in the treatment of obesity and metabolic disorders in mice and the human. |
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Keywords: | brown adipose tissue cell therapy CRISPR technology diabetes gene therapy thermogenic adipocytes obesity |
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