Adipose thermogenic mechanisms by cold, exercise and intermittent fasting: Similarities, disparities and the application in treatment.

Given its nonnegligible role in metabolic homeostasis, adipose tissue has been the target for treating metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Besides its lipolytic function, adipose thermogenesis has gained increased interest due to the irreplaceable contribution to dissipating energy to restore equilibrium, and its therapeutic effects have been testified in various animal models. In this review, we will brief about the canonical cold-stimulated adipose thermogenic mechanisms, elucidate on the exercise- and intermittent fasting-induced adipose thermogenic mechanisms, with a focus on the similarities and disparities among these signaling pathways, in an effort to uncover the overlapped and specific targets that may yield potent therapeutic efficacy synergistically in improving metabolic health. • Adipose thermogenic mechanisms induced by cold exposure, exercise and intermittent fasting share similar signaling pathways. • Certain adipose thermogenic mechanisms induced by exercise are distinctive. • Adipose thermogenesis has been applied in treatment for various diseases. • Similarities and disparities in adipose thermogenic mechanisms shed new light on treating diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]