人体棕色脂肪的临床意义

饮食增加和运动减少使肥胖及其相关代谢疾病患病率逐年升高，尤其是许多与肥胖相关的疾病，如2型糖尿病、高血脂、心脑血管疾病等已成为威胁健康的重要因素，且目前缺乏有效、安全的防治策略。研究证实人体内存在棕色脂肪／米色脂肪，参与机体的物质代谢，在维持能量平衡方面有重要作用，因此成为增加能量消耗方面颇具吸引力的一个研究靶点。本文将对棕色脂肪及其对人体的影响做一综述，并讨论其作为治疗肥胖及相关代谢性疾病新靶点的可行性。

Brown Adipose Tissue in Human

Sedentary living and the consumption of calorie-dense food has precipitated a steep rise in obesity throughout the world. The vast array of obesity-associated diseases, including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, heart disease, has become a significant health challenge. Several studies proved the presence of brown adipose tissue （BAT） in adult humans. BAT is a key site of thermogenesis in mammals that has been considered an attractive target to promote weight loss and dissipate excess calories. This review provides a historical overview on the research on BAT, highlights its effects on human body and concludes with a discussion of the relevant issues that need to be addressed before BAT is considered a therapeutic option for obesity and obesity-associated diseases.