A BAT-Centric Approach to the Treatment of Diabetes: Turn on the Brain.
The marked (18)F-flurodeoxyglucose uptake by brown adipose tissue (BAT) enabled its identification in human positron emission tomography imaging studies. In this Perspective, we discuss how glucose extraction by BAT and beige adipose tissue (BeAT) sufficiently impacts on glycemic control. We then present a unique overview of the central circuits modulated by gluco-regulatory hormones, temperature, and glucose itself, which converge on sympathetic preganglionic neurons and whose activation syphon circulating glucose into BAT/BeAT. Targeted stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system at specific nodes to selectively recruit BAT/BeAT may represent a safe and effective means of treating diabetes.
Integrated Research and Treatment Centre for Adiposity Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony 04103, Germany. Electronic address: mohammed.hankir@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.
Mohammed K
MK
Hankir
Department of Physiology, Monash Obesity and Diabetes Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3800, Australia.
Michael A
MA
Cowley
Integrated Research and Treatment Centre for Adiposity Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony 04103, Germany.
Wiebke K
WK
Fenske
D002001:Adipose Tissue, Brown / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism*; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy*; D005947:Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D006728:Hormones / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological
D006728:Hormones; D005947:Glucose