Targeting Adipose Tissue for the Treatment of Metabolic Alterations

Adipose tissue is a dynamic organ that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of energy storage and thermogenesis, influencing many physiological processes such as glucose and lipid metabolism, blood pressure homeostasis, inflammatory conditions, and immune responses.
The two major phenotypes of adipose tissue, white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT) have distinct characteristics and functions. WAT is primarily involved in energy storage and acts as an endocrine organ, secreting adipokines like leptin and adiponectin, which regulate insulin signaling and fatty acid oxidation. In contrast, BAT is specialized in thermogenesis due to its rich mitochondrial content.
Pathologies involving adipose tissue, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, are often associated with metabolic imbalances and comorbidities like cardiovascular disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Recent studies have highlighted the importance of the browning process, where WAT acquires a thermogenic phenotype similar to BAT, as a potential therapeutic target. However, the modulation of this process and other related molecular pathways remains underexplored, necessitating further investigation into their roles in metabolic homeostasis and disease management.

This research topic aims to explore the modulation of adipose tissue phenotypes and their molecular pathways as potential therapeutic strategies for metabolic alterations. Specifically, it seeks to understand how endogenous and exogenous factors influence the browning process and other pathways, and how these can be leveraged to manage metabolic pathologies and related comorbidities. By addressing these questions, the research aims to uncover viable pharmacological, phytotherapeutic, nutraceutical, and dietary approaches for treating conditions like obesity, metabolic syndrome, and associated diseases.

To gather further insights into the modulation of adipose tissue phenotypes and their impact on metabolic health, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- The role of adipokines in metabolic regulation and disease.
- Mechanisms and modulation of the browning process in WAT.
- Pharmacological strategies targeting adipose tissue for metabolic syndrome management.
- Nutraceutical and dietary interventions in adipose tissue-related pathologies.
- The impact of adipose tissue changes on cardiovascular health and diabetes.
- Interactions between adipose tissue and intestinal microbiota in metabolic diseases.
- Molecular pathways involved in adipose tissue inflammation and fibrosis.

Keywords: Adipose tissue, white adipose tissue, beige adipose tissue, brown adipose tissue, browning, metabolic syndrome, metabolism, obesity, comorbidities, drug discovery, drug repurposing

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.