Mitochondrial Actions for Fat Browning and Energy Expenditure in White Adipose Tissue

Abstract

White adipose tissue (WAT) is an endocrine organ with crucial role in the development of obesity and related diseases. White adipocytes have less mitochondria than brown adipocytes; nevertheless, there is an increasing body of evidence showing that mitochondrial parameters play a relevant role in WAT physiology, such as proliferation, differentiation and triacylglycerol storage levels. These parameters comprise mitochondria turnover, oxidative capacity, uncoupling, reactive oxygen species levels and oxygen consumption. In addition, the existence of beige (brown in white) adipose tissue and the transdifferatiation of WAT in brown adipose tissue are intrinsically related to mitochondria activity. Herein we highlight that the concerted action of stimulated lipolysis, mitochondrial oxidative metabolism and uncoupling (futile cycle) can enhance WAT energy expenditure. We consider WAT mitochondrial function a promising target for the development of therapies tackling lipotoxicity, obesity and related diseases.