Regulation of Brown Adipose Tissue Function via Metabolites Derived from Diet by Gut Microbiota

Abstract

Although gut microbiota play an important role in regulating host energy metabolism, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. Compounds produced by gut microbiota, such as short-chain fatty acids might be related to the regulation of host energy metabolism. Brown adipose tissue has a high thermogenic capacity and plays an important role in maintaining body temperature in cold environments. Importantly, the thermogenic activity of brown adipose tissue caused by brown adipocytes or beige adipocytes is inversely correlated with body fat contents in adult humans. Therefore, brown adipose tissue is an attractive target for the management of obesity. Recently, the relationships between brown adipose tissue function and gut microbiota have been reported, and compounds produced by gut microbiota from diet could regulate brown adipose tissue activity. In this review, we describe our current knowledge of the metabolites derived from diet by gut microbiota which may regulate brown adipose tissue function and possible molecular mechanisms underlying them.