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Sensory neural innervation of adipose tissue in metabolic disorders

GUO Yi-Fan^1,2, CHEN Pei-Ji^1,2, XIAO Wei-Hua^1,2,*

¹School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China；²Shanghai Key Lab of Human Performance, Shanghai 200438, China

Abstract

The regulation of adipose tissue homeostasis is essential for maintaining energy and metabolism balance in the body. The peripheral nervous system plays a crucial role in this process. Previous related research primarily focused on the sympathetic nervous system and its release of norepinephrine, while recent attention has shifted to the field of adipose sensory nerves. Studies demonstrate that external stimuli can activate adipose sensory nerves through pathways involving transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1), adipokines, and fatty acids, thereby transmitting signals to the brain. Emerging techniques, such as adipose nerve imaging and denervation of tissues, have revealed the critical role of sensory nerves in the glucose and lipid metabolism, thermogenic function, and vascular regulation of adipose tissue. This article comprehensively reviews the latest research on the regulation and function of sensory nerves in adipose tissue, with a focus on the impact of metabolic diseases on adipose sensory nerves. This review discusses current issues and prospects on the mechanisms behind neural regulation in adipose tissue, hoping to contribute to a comprehensive understanding and providing directions for future research.

Key words: adipose tissue; sensory nerves; metabolic diseases

Received: 　　Accepted:

Corresponding author: 肖卫华　　E-mail:

Citing This Article：

GUO Yi-Fan, CHEN Pei-Ji, XIAO Wei-Hua. Sensory neural innervation of adipose tissue in metabolic disorders. Acta Physiol Sin 2024; 76 (5): 841-848 (in Chinese with English abstract).