Regulatory effects and mechanisms of exercise on activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT)

Haijun Dong; Man Qin; Peng Wang; Shufan Li; Xing Wang

doi:10.1080/21623945.2023.2266147

Regulatory effects and mechanisms of exercise on activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) and browning of white adipose tissue (WAT)

Adipocyte. 2023 Dec;12(1):2266147. doi: 10.1080/21623945.2023.2266147. Epub 2023 Oct 9.

Authors

Haijun Dong¹, Man Qin², Peng Wang³, Shufan Li³, Xing Wang³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Physical Education, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
² School of Sports and Health, Shanghai Lixin Accounting and Finance University, Shanghai, China.
³ School of Physical Education, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China.

Abstract

Exercise is a universally acknowledged and healthy way to reducing body weight. However, the roles and mechanisms of exercise on metabolism of adipose tissue remain largely unclear. Adipose tissues include white adipose tissue (WAT), brown adipose tissue (BAT) and beige adipose tissue (BeAT). The main function of WAT is to store energy, while the BAT and BeAT can generate heat and consume energy. Therefore, promotion of BAT activation and WAT browning contributes to body weight loss. To date, many studies have suggested that exercise exerts the potential regulatory effects on BAT activation and WAT browning. In the present review, we compile the evidence for the regulatory effects of exercise on BAT activation and WAT browning and summarize the possible mechanisms whereby exercise modulates BAT activation and WAT browning, including activating sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and promoting the secretion of exerkines, with special focus on exerkines. These data might provide reference for prevention or treatment of obesity and the related metabolic disease through exercise.

Keywords: BAT activation; Obesity; WAT browning; exercise; exerkines.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adipose Tissue, Brown* / metabolism
Adipose Tissue, White / metabolism
Body Weight
Humans
Obesity / metabolism
Thermogenesis*

Grants and funding

Key Laboratory Project of Shanghai Science and Technology Commission (Grant No.11DZ2261100); Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance (Shanghai University of sport) (NO. 11DZ2261100).