Jianyu Pu1, Reshmi Akter1, Esrat Jahan Rupa1, Muhammad Awais1, Ramya Mathiyalagan1, Yaxi Han2, Jongpyo Kang1, Deok Chun Yang3, Se Chan Kang4. 1. Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. 2. Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. 3. Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea; Department of Oriental Medicinal Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: dcyang@khu.ac.kr. 4. Graduate School of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Kyung Hee University, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: sckang@khu.ac.kr.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adipose tissue play an important role in the regulation of energy balance and homeostasis. Two main types of adipose tissue are found in mammals, white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). WAT acts as energy storage in the form of triglycerides; excess WAT is a cause of overweight and obesity. Conversely, BAT works by dissipating energy as heat, which may facilitate the suppression of obesity and play a vital role in maintaining core body temperature. Recently a new type of adipocyte has been introduced: beige or brite adipocytes. This adipocyte has morphological and functional similarities to BAT but, developmentally, it is more closely related to WAT. In response to appropriate stimuli, WAT deposits can take on characteristics like BAT and act as beige or brite adipocyte, through a process called "browning." Browning has become a promising therapeutic target for obesity due to its fat-burning potential. METHODS: Searches were carried out using MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The in vivo and in vitro mechanisms of ginsenosides related to beige adipocytes were also included. RESULTS: In this review, we found a considerable number of articles suggesting that the anti-obesity action of ginsenosides might be related to WAT browning and discussed the possible mechanisms for this. CONCLUSION: Current evidence from the in vitro and in vivo studies strongly supports that ginsenosides may play a significant role in the browning of WAT. The browning effects of ginsenosides are associated with various signaling pathways, markers, and transcription factors. In conclusion, ginsenosides may help counteract obesity by promoting the browning of WAT.
BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adipose tissue play an important role in the regulation of energy balance and homeostasis. Two main types of adipose tissue are found in mammals, white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). WAT acts as energy storage in the form of triglycerides; excess WAT is a cause of overweight and obesity. Conversely, BAT works by dissipating energy as heat, which may facilitate the suppression of obesity and play a vital role in maintaining core body temperature. Recently a new type of adipocyte has been introduced: beige or brite adipocytes. This adipocyte has morphological and functional similarities to BAT but, developmentally, it is more closely related to WAT. In response to appropriate stimuli, WAT deposits can take on characteristics like BAT and act as beige or brite adipocyte, through a process called "browning." Browning has become a promising therapeutic target for obesity due to its fat-burning potential. METHODS: Searches were carried out using MEDLINE/PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The in vivo and in vitro mechanisms of ginsenosides related to beige adipocytes were also included. RESULTS: In this review, we found a considerable number of articles suggesting that the anti-obesity action of ginsenosides might be related to WAT browning and discussed the possible mechanisms for this. CONCLUSION: Current evidence from the in vitro and in vivo studies strongly supports that ginsenosides may play a significant role in the browning of WAT. The browning effects of ginsenosides are associated with various signaling pathways, markers, and transcription factors. In conclusion, ginsenosides may help counteract obesity by promoting the browning of WAT.