TLDR Turning white fat into brown-like fat could help fight obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The document from 2014 explores the concept of "browning" white adipose tissue (WAT) to combat obesity and related diseases like type 2 diabetes. Browning refers to the process where WAT develops characteristics of brown adipose tissue, notably increasing uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression, which leads to higher heat production. The authors propose that browning agents, such as certain foods, drugs, and environmental changes, might stimulate this process. They also suggest that increased heat loss due to changes in insulation, like fur loss, could drive the browning process by activating the sympathetic nervous system. The paper emphasizes the need for browning agents that work without causing heat loss for effective human therapy and calls for thorough evaluations of these agents to confirm their direct browning effects. The document is a perspective piece and does not include specific study data.
15 citations,
March 2014 in “Biochimica and biophysica acta. Molecular and cell biology of lipids” ACBP is essential for healthy skin and fur by maintaining the skin's barrier function.
48 citations,
March 2007 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Retinoic acid production and signaling in hair follicles are regulated by location and timing, affecting hair growth and cycling.
42 citations,
May 2016 in “Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology” Fat cells are important for tissue repair and stem cell support in various body parts.
2 citations,
January 2016 in “Springer eBooks” Fat tissue stem cells show promise for repairing different body tissues and are being tested in clinical trials.
October 2023 in “Advancement in yoga and physical therapy” More research is needed before using brown fat to treat polycystic ovary syndrome.
92 citations,
September 2015 in “Journal of Lipid Research” Skin fat helps with body temperature control and has other active roles in health.
August 2023 in “MOJ women's health” Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) could potentially treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) by controlling energy balance and lipid homeostasis, but more human research is needed.