scholarly journals Induction of Adipose Tissue Browning as a Strategy to Combat Obesity

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (17) ◽  
pp. 6241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alina Kuryłowicz ◽  
Monika Puzianowska-Kuźnicka

The ongoing obesity pandemic generates a constant need to develop new therapeutic strategies to restore the energy balance. Therefore, the concept of activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) in order to increase energy expenditure has been revived. In mammals, two developmentally distinct types of brown adipocytes exist; the classical or constitutive BAT that arises during embryogenesis, and the beige adipose tissue that is recruited postnatally within white adipose tissue (WAT) in the process called browning. Research of recent years has significantly increased our understanding of the mechanisms involved in BAT activation and WAT browning. They also allowed for the identification of critical molecules and critical steps of both processes and, therefore, many new therapeutic targets. Several non-pharmacological approaches, as well as chemical compounds aiming at the induction of WAT browning and BAT activation, have been tested in vitro as well as in animal models of genetically determined and/or diet-induced obesity. The therapeutic potential of some of these strategies has also been tested in humans. In this review, we summarize present concepts regarding potential therapeutic targets in the process of BAT activation and WAT browning and available strategies aiming at them.

2020 ◽  
Vol 117 (26) ◽  
pp. 15055-15065 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mengxi Jiang ◽  
Tony E. Chavarria ◽  
Bingbing Yuan ◽  
Harvey F. Lodish ◽  
Nai-Jia Huang

Phosphocholine phosphatase-1 (PHOSPHO1) is a phosphocholine phosphatase that catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphocholine (PC) to choline. Here we demonstrate that the PHOSPHO1 transcript is highly enriched in mature brown adipose tissue (BAT) and is further induced by cold and isoproterenol treatments of BAT and primary brown adipocytes. In defining the functional relevance of PHOPSPHO1 in BAT thermogenesis and energy metabolism, we show that PHOSPHO1 knockout mice are cold-tolerant, with higher expression of thermogenic genes in BAT, and are protected from high-fat diet-induced obesity and development of insulin resistance. Treatment of mice with the PHOSPHO1 substrate phosphocholine is sufficient to induce cold tolerance, thermogenic gene expression, and allied metabolic benefits. Our results reveal a role of PHOSPHO1 as a negative regulator of BAT thermogenesis, and inhibition of PHOSPHO1 or enhancement of phosphocholine represent innovative approaches to manage the metabolic syndrome.


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (49) ◽  
pp. eabc6250
Author(s):  
Andréa Livia Rocha ◽  
Tanes Imamura de Lima ◽  
Gerson Profeta de Souza ◽  
Renan Oliveira Corrêa ◽  
Danilo Lopes Ferrucci ◽  
...  

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in oxidative metabolism and brown/beige adipocyte identity. Here, we tested whether widespread changes in miRNA expression promoted by treatment with the small-molecule enoxacin cause browning and prevent obesity. Enoxacin mitigated diet-induced obesity in mice, and this was associated with increased energy expenditure. Consistently, subcutaneous white and brown adipose tissues and skeletal muscle of enoxacin-treated mice had higher levels of markers associated with thermogenesis and oxidative metabolism. These effects were cell autonomous since they were recapitulated in vitro in murine and human cell models. In preadipocytes, enoxacin led to a reduction of miR-34a-5p expression and up-regulation of its target genes (e.g., Fgfr1, Klb, and Sirt1), thus increasing FGF21 signaling and promoting beige adipogenesis. Our data demonstrate that enoxacin counteracts obesity by promoting thermogenic signaling and inducing oxidative metabolism in adipose tissue and skeletal muscle in a mechanism that involves, at least in part, miRNA-mediated regulation.


2012 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 103-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juan Liu ◽  
Xiaocen Kong ◽  
Long Wang ◽  
Hanmei Qi ◽  
Wenjuan Di ◽  
...  

Brown adipose tissue (BAT) increases energy expenditure and is an attractive therapeutic target for obesity. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1), an amplifier of local glucocorticoid activity, has been shown to modulate white adipose tissue (WAT) metabolism and function. In this study, we investigated the roles of 11β-HSD1 in regulating BAT function. We observed a significant increase in the expression of BAT-specific genes, including UCP1, Cidea, Cox7a1, and Cox8b, in BVT.2733 (a selective inhibitor of 11β-HSD1)-treated and 11β-HSD1-deficient primary brown adipocytes of mice. By contrast, a remarkable decrease in BAT-specific gene expression was detected in brown adipocytes when 11β-HSD1 was overexpressed, which effect was reversed by BVT.2733 treatment. Consistent with the in vitro results, expression of a range of genes related to brown fat function in high-fat diet-fed mice treated with BVT.2733. Our results indicate that 11β-HSD1 acts as a vital regulator that controls the expression of genes related to brown fat function and as such may become a potential target in preventing obesity.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Umesh D. Wankhade ◽  
Michael Shen ◽  
Hariom Yadav ◽  
Keshari M. Thakali

Nonshivering thermogenesis is the process of biological heat production in mammals and is primarily mediated by brown adipose tissue (BAT). Through ubiquitous expression of uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1) on the mitochondrial inner membrane, BAT displays uncoupling of fuel combustion and ATP production in order to dissipate energy as heat. Because of its crucial role in regulating energy homeostasis, ongoing exploration of BAT has emphasized its therapeutic potential in addressing the global epidemics of obesity and diabetes. The recent appreciation that adult humans possess functional BAT strengthens this prospect. Furthermore, it has been identified that there are both classical brown adipocytes residing in dedicated BAT depots and “beige” adipocytes residing in white adipose tissue depots that can acquire BAT-like characteristics in response to environmental cues. This review aims to provide a brief overview of BAT research and summarize recent findings concerning the physiological, cellular, and developmental characteristics of brown adipocytes. In addition, some key genetic, molecular, and pharmacologic targets of BAT/Beige cells that have been reported to have therapeutic potential to combat obesity will be discussed.


2014 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 5-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekaterina Olegovna Koksharova ◽  
Alexander Yur'evich Mayorov ◽  
Marina Vladimirovna Shestakova ◽  
Ivan Ivanovich Dedov

According to the International Diabetes Federation, 10.9 million people have diabetes mellitus (DM) in Russia; however, only up to 4 million are registered. In addition, 11.9 million people have impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose levels [1]. One of the significant risk factors for type 2 DM (T2DM) is obesity, which increases insulin resistance (IR). IR is the major pathogenetic link to T2DM. According to current concepts, there are three types of adipose tissue: white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT) and ?beige?, of which the last two types have a thermogenic function. Some research results have revealed the main stages in the development of adipocytes; however, there is no general consensus regarding the development of ?beige? adipocytes. Furthermore, the biology of BAT and ?beige? adipose tissue is currently being intensively investigated, and some key transcription factors, signalling pathways and hormones that promote the development and activation of these tissues have been identified. The most discussed hormones are irisin and fibroblast growth factor 21, which have established positive effects on BAT and ?beige? adipose tissue with regard to carbohydrate, lipid and energy metabolism. The primary imaging techniques used to investigate BAT are PET-CT with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. With respect to the current obesity epidemic and associated diseases, including T2DM, there is a growing interest in investigating adipogenesis and the possibility of altering this process. BAT and ?beige? adipose tissue may be targets for developing drugs directed against obesity and T2DM.


2019 ◽  
Vol 240 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dieuwertje C E Spaanderman ◽  
Mark Nixon ◽  
Jacobus C Buurstede ◽  
Hetty H C M Sips ◽  
Maaike Schilperoort ◽  
...  

Glucocorticoid signaling is context dependent, and in certain scenarios, glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) are able to engage with other members of the nuclear receptor subfamily. Glucocorticoid signaling can exert sexually dimorphic effects, suggesting a possible interaction with androgen sex hormones. We therefore set out to determine the crosstalk between glucocorticoids and androgens in metabolic tissues including white adipose tissue, liver and brown adipose tissue. Thereto we exposed male C57BL/6J mice to elevated levels of corticosterone in combination with an androgen receptor (AR) agonist or an AR antagonist. Systemic and local glucocorticoid levels were determined by mass spectrometry, and tissue expression of glucocorticoid-responsive genes and protein was measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot, respectively. To evaluate crosstalk in vitro, cultured white and brown adipocytes were exposed to a combination of corticosterone and an AR agonist. We found that AR agonism potentiated transcriptional response to GR in vitro in white and brown adipocytes and in vivo in white and brown adipose tissues. Conversely, AR antagonism substantially attenuated glucocorticoid signaling in white adipose tissue and liver. In white adipose tissue, this effect could partially be attributed to decreased 11B-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1-mediated glucocorticoid regeneration upon AR antagonism. In liver, attenuated GR activity was independent of active glucocorticoid ligand levels. We conclude that androgen signaling modulates GR transcriptional output in a tissue-specific manner.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Whitehead ◽  
Fynn N. Krause ◽  
Amy Moran ◽  
Amanda D. V. MacCannell ◽  
Jason L. Scragg ◽  
...  

AbstractBrown and beige adipose tissue are emerging as distinct endocrine organs. These tissues are functionally associated with skeletal muscle, adipose tissue metabolism and systemic energy expenditure, suggesting an interorgan signaling network. Using metabolomics, we identify 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, 5-oxoproline, and β-hydroxyisobutyric acid as small molecule metabokines synthesized in browning adipocytes and secreted via monocarboxylate transporters. 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, 5-oxoproline and β-hydroxyisobutyric acid induce a brown adipocyte-specific phenotype in white adipocytes and mitochondrial oxidative energy metabolism in skeletal myocytes both in vitro and in vivo. 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid and 5-oxoproline signal through cAMP-PKA-p38 MAPK and β-hydroxyisobutyric acid via mTOR. In humans, plasma and adipose tissue 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid, 5-oxoproline and β-hydroxyisobutyric acid concentrations correlate with markers of adipose browning and inversely associate with body mass index. These metabolites reduce adiposity, increase energy expenditure and improve glucose and insulin homeostasis in mouse models of obesity and diabetes. Our findings identify beige adipose-brown adipose-muscle physiological metabokine crosstalk.


Author(s):  
Melisa Siannoto ◽  
Gaga Irawan Nugraha ◽  
Ronny Lesmana ◽  
Hanna Goenawan ◽  
Vita Muniarti Tarawan ◽  
...  

Abstract: Obesity has become a prominent epidemic disease since its worldwide prevalence has shown a continuous rise over the past few decades. The primary aim of obesity treatment is to effectively reduce the intake of energy, while simultaneously increasing energy expenditure. Increasing thermogenesis is one of the methods to increase energy expenditure. Thermogenesis, which primarily occurs in brown adipose tissue, can also be produced by beige adipose tissue, through a process known as browning. The browning process has recently been attracting a great deal of attention as a potential anti-obesity agent. Many well-researched inducers of the browning process are readily available, including cold exposure, agonist β3-adrenergic, agonist peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ, fibroblast growth factor 21, irisin and several nutraceuticals (including resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, fish oils, green tea, etc.). This mini review summarizes the current knowledge and the latest research of some nutraceuticals that are potentially involved in the browning process


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinhui Wang ◽  
Yinan Zhao ◽  
Dekun Zhou ◽  
Yingpu Tian ◽  
Gensheng Feng ◽  
...  

AbstractObesity is caused by a long-term imbalance between energy intake and consumption and is regulated by multiple signals. This study investigated the effect of signaling scaffolding protein Gab2 on obesity and its relevant regulation mechanism. Gab2 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were fed with a standard diet (SD) or high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. The results showed that the a high-fat diet-induced Gab2 expression in adipose tissues, but deletion of Gab2 attenuated weight gain and improved glucose tolerance in mice fed with a high-fat diet. White adipose tissue and systemic inflammations were reduced in HFD-fed Gab2 deficiency mice. Gab2 deficiency increased the expression of Ucp1 and other thermogenic genes in brown adipose tissue. Furthermore, the regulation of Gab2 on the mature differentiation and function of adipocytes was investigated in vitro using primary or immortalized brown preadipocytes. The expression of brown fat-selective genes was found to be elevated in differentiated adipocytes without Gab2. The mechanism of Gab2 regulating Ucp1 expression in brown adipocytes involved with its downstream PI3K (p85)-Akt-FoxO1 signaling pathway. Our research suggests that deletion of Gab2 suppresses diet-induced obesity by multiple pathways and Gab2 may be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity and associated complications.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Whitehead ◽  
Fynn Krause ◽  
Amy Moran ◽  
Jason Scragg ◽  
Ben McNally ◽  
...  

Abstract Brown and beige adipose tissue are emerging as distinct endocrine organs. These tissues are functionally associated with skeletal muscle, adipose tissue metabolism and systemic energy expenditure, suggesting an inter-organ signaling network. Using a metabolomic approach we identified 3-methyl-2-oxovaleric acid (MOVA), 5-oxoproline (5OP), and β-hydroxyisobutyric acid (BHIBA) as small molecule metabokines synthesized in browning adipocytes and secreted via monocarboxylate transporters. MOVA, 5OP and BHIBA induce a brown adipocyte-specific phenotype in white adipocytes and mitochondrial oxidative energy metabolism in skeletal myocytes both in vitro and in vivo. MOVA and 5OP signal through cAMP-PKA-p38 MAPK and BHIBA via mTOR. These metabolites reduce adiposity, increase energy expenditure and improve glucose and insulin homeostasis in mouse models of obesity and diabetes. In humans, plasma and adipose tissue MOVA, 5OP and BHIBA concentrations are correlated with markers of adipose browning and inversely associated with BMI. Our findings identify beige adipose-brown adipose-muscle physiological metabokine crosstalk.


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