Disease-associated adipose browning: current evidence and perspectives.
Adipose tissue browning is consistently observed in various diseases, but its role remains uncertain, warranting further investigation.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the abaloparatide (tymlos) corpusSummary and findings
The review discusses the occurrence of adipose tissue browning in various chronic diseases, including cancers and infections. It highlights the unclear pathophysiological significance of this process. The paper suggests further research is needed to understand the triggers and outcomes of pathological browning.
Abstract
Brown and beige adipose tissue represent evolutionary adaptations in mammals, functioning as specialized thermogenic organs to maintain body temperature. Over the past two decades, researches have demonstrated that white adipose tissue (WAT) browning is an effective strategy to enhance energy expenditure. However, a growing body of evidence indicates that the browning process frequently occurs in a variety of chronic disease states, though its pathophysiological significance remains unclear. This review summarized evidence of pathological browning observed in human diseases and animal models, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), kidney health, burn injury, atherosclerotic, SARS-CoV-2 and sepsis. Despite distinct pathological contexts, adipose tissue browning is consistently observed. This suggests that browning may not simply serve its classical metabolically protective role, but instead reflect an atypical response to pathological stress. It is currently unclear whether this is a compensatory mechanism by the organism in a diseased state or merely a byproduct of the disease process. Whether this response is adaptive or a cause of disease progression remains unresolved. Future research should therefore focus on identifying the triggers and functional outcomes of pathological browning to better understand adipocyte plasticity and its role in disease progression.
Background
The paper addresses the phenomenon of adipose tissue browning, which has been traditionally viewed as a beneficial metabolic adaptation. However, recent evidence suggests that browning occurs in various pathological states, raising questions about its role in disease. Understanding this process is important for elucidating its implications in chronic diseases.
Methods
This is a review article summarizing existing evidence from human diseases and animal models. It does not involve original experimental research but compiles findings from various studies on adipose tissue browning.
Results
The review identifies consistent observations of adipose tissue browning across multiple disease contexts, such as cancers and infections. However, it does not provide specific quantitative findings or outcomes related to these observations.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that adipose tissue browning might not always be a protective metabolic adaptation but could be an atypical response to pathological stress. The lack of clarity on whether browning is adaptive or detrimental limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions. Further research is needed to explore the triggers and consequences of browning in disease.
Key findings
- Adipose tissue browning observed in breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
- Browning also noted in kidney health, burn injury, atherosclerosis, SARS-CoV-2, and sepsis.
- The role of browning in disease states remains unclear, whether adaptive or a byproduct.
Limitations
- No original experimental data
- Lack of quantitative findings
- Unclear pathophysiological significance
- Review-based conclusions