1. Research questions
Is BAT a potential new target for NAFLD treatment?
2. Objectives and scientific rationale for the research
Brown adipose tissue (BAT), the primary site of non-shivering thermogenesis, plays a crucial role in protecting mammals against hypothermia. Historically, BAT’s biological significance has been attributed solely to its thermogenic function. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that activated BAT promotes energy expenditure through uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-mediated thermogenesis, thereby combating obesity while concurrently reducing plasma glucose and lipid levels to maintain systemic energy homeostasis. These findings establish BAT as a key regulator of adipocyte thermogenesis and whole-body metabolism.
However, emerging studies reveal that beyond its classical thermogenic role, BAT exerts local and systemic metabolic effects through the secretion of bioactive factors. Clinically, reduced BAT activity has been strongly associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These observations raise a pivotal scientific question: Could BAT serve as a novel therapeutic target for NAFLD intervention?
