Thermogenic adipose tissues: Promising therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases

Mandana Pahlavani, Kenneth Pham, Nishan Sudheera Kalupahana, Ashti Morovati, Latha Ramalingam, Hussain Abidi, Vasana Kiridana, Naima Moustaid-Moussa

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

The ongoing increase in the prevalence of obesity and its comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes (T2D) and dyslipidemia warrants discovery of novel therapeutic options for these metabolic diseases. Obesity is characterized by white adipose tissue expansion due to chronic positive energy balance as a result of excessive energy intake and/or reduced energy expenditure. Despite various efforts to prevent or reduce obesity including lifestyle and behavioral interventions, surgical weight reduction approaches and pharmacological methods, there has been limited success in significantly reducing obesity prevalence. Recent research has shown that thermogenic adipocyte (brown and beige) activation or formation, respectively, could potentially act as a therapeutic strategy to ameliorate obesity and its related disorders. This can be achieved through the ability of these thermogenic cells to enhance energy expenditure and regulate circulating levels of glucose and lipids. Thus, unraveling the molecular mechanisms behind the formation and activation of brown and beige adipocytes holds the potential for probable therapeutic paths to combat obesity. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update on the development and regulation of different adipose tissue types. We also emphasize recent interventions in harnessing therapeutic potential of thermogenic adipocytes by bioactive compounds and new pharmacological anti-obesity agents.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number109832
JournalJournal of Nutritional Biochemistry
Volume137
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2025

Keywords

  • Beige adipose tissue
  • Bioactive compounds
  • Brown adipose tissue
  • GLP1-RA
  • Lipid metabolites
  • MicroRNA
  • Obesity

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Clinical Biochemistry

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