Combination of Capsaicin and Capsiate Induces Browning in 3T3-L1 White Adipocytes via Activation of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ/β3-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling Pathways

Development of an adipocyte differentiation protocol using 3T3-L1 cells for the investigation of the browning process: identification of the PPAR-γ agonist rosiglitazone as a browning reference drug

Background

Obesity is a metabolic disease that is characterized by an excessive accumulation of adipose tissue (AT) and is often associated with other pathologies. AT is a lipid storage organ with endocrine functions that presents two main phenotypes: white adipose tissue (WAT) and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Preadipocytes or mature white adipocyte cells can differentiate in a middle phenotype with morpho/functional characteristics between WAT and BAT, known as brown-like or beige adipose tissue (BeAT), through the browning process. Considering the interest in stimulating the browning process in metabolic disorders and the lack of clarity, evenness, and reproducibility of the preclinical models, the detailed description of an adipocyte differentiation protocol and the "de novo" development of a beige adipocyte phenotype has been described. Furthermore, the most described stimuli in inducing the browning process, such as PPAR-γ agonists (using rosiglitazone, RGZ) and β-adrenergic stimulators (using isoproterenol, ISO), were evaluated in order to describe their involvement in the browning process and identify a reference compound for the induction of the "de novo" browning.

Methods

Immortalized murine embryonic fibroblasts (3T3-L1) cells were differentiated for up to 17 days using a differentiation medium (DM) and a maintenance medium (MM) with or without RGZ or ISO to obtain both the mature white and the beige adipocyte phenotype. The differentiation was evaluated by the Oil Red O (ORO) staining assay, citrate synthase activity, and mitochondrial uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1) immunodetection and expression performed on different days (T0, T3, T10, and T17) after the induction of differentiation.

Results

The results indicated that RGZ induced morphology and ORO-positive lipid deposits and increased the activity of citrate synthase enzyme and UCP-1 levels overlapping with a beige adipocyte phenotype after 17 days. ISO did not display a significant effect in these experimental conditions.

Conclusion

Overall, this work describes in depth the different phases of the adipocyte differentiation process by offering a detailed and reproducible "de novo" browning differentiation model. Furthermore, the efficacy of the stimulation of the PPAR-γ pathway in obtaining a beige adipocyte phenotype demonstrates that RGZ can induce the browning process and elects it as a perfect reference compound for experimental procedures in this field.

Capsaicin: pharmacological applications and prospects for drug designing

OBJECTIVES

A primary objective of this review is to summarize the evidence-based pharmacological applications of capsaicin, particularly its use to manage pain and treat various health conditions. A second goal of the review is to research how recent technological advances are improving the bioavailability and therapeutic index of capsaicin, as well as the development of novel capsaicin-mimetics that are able to enhance therapeutic responses in various human diseases.

METHODS

In the review, numerous human clinical trials and preclinical studies are examined to determine how effective, safe, and optimal dosages of capsaicin can be used in pain management and therapeutic applications. Furthermore, it discusses capsaicin's mechanisms of action, specifically its interactions with the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel. As a result of this review, the potential of nanotechnology systems for bypassing the limits of capsaicin's pungency is discussed. The review takes into account individual factors such as pain tolerance and skin sensitivity.

KEY FINDINGS

For topical applications, capsaicin is typically used in concentrations ranging from 0.025% to 0.1%, with higher concentrations being used under medical supervision for neuropathic pain. The formulation can come in the form of creams, gels, or patches, which provide sustained release over the course of time. A condition such as arthritis or neuropathy can be relieved with capsaicin as it depletes substance P from nerves. Neuropathy and osteoarthritis as well as musculoskeletal disorders have been treated successfully with this herbal medicine. A major mechanism through which capsaicin relieves pain is through activating TRPV1 channels, which induce calcium influx and neurotransmitter release. Additionally, it affects the transcription of genes related to pain modulation and inflammation, particularly when disease conditions or stress are present. There have been recent developments in technology to reduce capsaicin's pungency and improve its bioavailability, including nanotechnology.

CONCLUSIONS

It is proven that capsaicin is effective in pain management as well as a variety of therapeutic conditions because of its ability to deplete substance P and desensitize nerve endings. Although capsaicin is highly pungent and associated with discomfort, advancements in delivery technologies and the development of capsaicin-mimetics promise improved therapeutic outcomes. There is a great deal of complexity in the pharmacological action of capsaicin due to its interaction with TRPV1 channels and its ability to affect gene transcription. There is a need for further research and development in order to optimize capsaicin's clinical applications and to enhance its therapeutic index in a variety of human diseases.

Proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses reveal the biological perturbations caused by capsaicin treatment

Capsaicin, the primary active ingredient and irritant in chili peppers, has been utilized across multiple fields as a food adductive or because of its potential anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and metabolic regulatory properties. Despite its diverse uses, the mechanism of action of capsaicin has not been fully revealed. Here, we investigated the changes in the proteome and phosphoproteome of A549 cells upon treatment with capsaicin for different durations and at different doses. Pressure cycling technology (PCT) was applied for rapid sample preparation and digestion, significantly improving the stability of phosphorylated proteins and allowing in-depth phosphoproteome analysis within 6 h with protein inputs of 100 μg. Proteomic and phosphoproteomic alterations can be used to accurately identify perturbations caused by various capsaicin doses and exposure durations. Proteomic analysis revealed that capsaicin administration affected the cell cycle and DNA damage pathways in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Compared with the proteomic changes, more sensitive and rapid alterations were observed in the phosphoproteome, a finding further supported by posttranslational modification (PTM) set enrichment analysis (PTM-SEA) of the phosphoproteomic data. The phosphorylation status of serine protein kinase, Aurora kinase A, and Aurora kinase B changed faster than their protein expression. Overall, the findings here identify the proteomic and phosphoproteomic alterations caused by capsaicin, providing new insights for multiomics analysis to elucidate chemical perturbations.

A comprehensive review of capsaicin: Biosynthesis, industrial productions, processing to applications, and clinical uses

Capsaicin, the main bioactive compound in chili peppers, is widely known for its diverse pharmacological effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Despite its therapeutic potential, the low yield of natural capsaicin and the challenges in producing it on a large-scale limit broader industrial and clinical applications. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of capsaicin's biosynthesis in plants, chemical and enzymatic synthesis methods, and recent advancements in green production technologies. In addition, innovative applications such as drug delivery systems using nanoencapsulation and micelles are being developed to improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of capsaicin. Key findings highlight the use of capsaicin in food preservation, packaging, and pharmaceutical formulations. Future research should prioritize the refinement of synthetic routes, innovative delivery technologies, and the development of sustainable industrial processes to fully exploit the therapeutic and commercial potential of capsaicin.

Anti-adipogenesis and anti-obesity potential of alliin mediated by modulating glycolipid metabolism via activating PPARγ signaling

Garlic exhibits hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and cardiovascular benefits. The inconsistent results of garlic preparations on adipogenesis have caused more confusion in the public and academia. The compounds responsible for the anti-adipogenesis effect of garlic remain unknown. The present study aimed to verify the real anti-adipogenesis and anti-obesity component in garlic and explored its possible effects in metabolic syndrome. We verified the real anti-adipogenesis and anti-obesity components of garlic in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and a 10-week-high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice. In vitro, two water-soluble and four typical lipid-soluble compounds of garlic were tested for their anti-adipogenesis. Then, the water-soluble compound, alliin, and two processing methods produced garlic oils, were evaluated in vivo study. Mice received oral administration of alliin (25 mg/kg) and garlic oils (15 mg/kg) daily for 8 weeks. Serum lipids, parameters of obesity, and indicators involved in regulating glycolipid metabolism were examined. Our findings confirmed that both water-soluble and lipid-soluble organosulfur compounds of garlic contributed to garlic's anti-adipogenesis effect, in which water-soluble sulfides, especially alliin, exhibited greater potency. Alliin possessed potent effects of anti-obesity and improvement in glucose and lipid metabolism in HFD-induced obese mice. Alliin mediated these effects partly attributed to its modulation of enzymatic activities within glycolipid metabolism and activating PPARγ signaling pathway. In contrast to odorous lipid-soluble sulfides, alliin is odorless, stable, and safe, and is an ideal nutraceutical or even medicinal candidates for the treatment of metabolic diseases. Alliin could be used to standardize the quality of garlic products.

Withanolides-enriched leaf extract of Withania somnifera exert anti-obesity effects by inducing brown adipocyte-like phenotype via tuning MAP-kinase signaling axis

Present study investigated anti-obesity potential of Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal leaf extract (WSLE). Phytochemical characterization of WSLE was performed by UPLC/MS-QToF and HPLC-based analysis. WSLE was assessed for its effect on lipid metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis in vitro using differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. WSLE was found to contain 59 phytometabolites with a total of 10.601 μg withanolides per mg of extract. WSLE (30 μg/ml) treatment decreased basal levels of intracellular lipids and triglycerides to 13.85 % and 41.58 %, respectively. WSLE downregulated the expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, C/EBPβ, and their target genes responsible for lipogenesis dose-dependently. An upregulation in expression of lipolytic (ATGL and HSL), thermogenic (PGC1α, UCP1, and PRDM16), and glucose transporter (GLUT4) genes was also observed. Furthermore, WSLE treatment increased glucose uptake by 1.5-fold. These beneficial effects of WSLE were abolished in presence of AMPK, p38MAPK, and ERK inhibitors. These observations were then validated in vivo using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism. Intriguingly, WSLE diminished fat accumulation in wild-type N2 worms as evident from reduced Oil-red-O staining and reduction in GFP expression of fat-5, 6, and 7 in transgenic strains. Overall, these results highlight anti-obesity potential of WSLE exerting its effects via alterations in AMPK/p38MAPK/ERK axis.

Ling-gui-zhu-gan granules reduces obesity and ameliorates metabolic disorders by inducing white adipose tissue browning in obese mice

Background

Ling-gui-zhu-gan (LGZG) formula has been demonstrated to effectively ameliorate the clinical symptoms of patients with obesity or metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to explore both the effect and the underlying mechanisms of LGZG against obesity.

Methods

Male C57BL/6N mice were randomized into four groups (n = 8): normal control (NC), obese (OB), metformin (Met), and LGZG. After 8 weeks of gavage administration, the pharmacological effects of LGZG on obesity and metabolism were investigated using biochemical parameters, histomorphological examination, and lipidomics techniques. Pivotal factors associated with white adipose tissue browning were evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.

Results

The results revealed that LGZG reduced the levels of obesity markers, including body weights, body fat mass and food intake in obese mice. Further evaluations highlighted that LGZG restored glucose homeostasis and significantly improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice. Importantly, LGZG could adjust serum lipid profiles and regulate the lipidomic spectrum of intestinal contents, with noticeable shifts in the levels of certain lipids, particularly diacylglycerols and monoacylglycerols. Histopathological examinations of LGZG-treated mice also revealed more favorable adipose tissue structures than their obese counterparts. Furthermore, we found that LGZG upregulated the expression of several key thermogenesis-related factors, such as UCP1, PRDM16, PGC-1α, PPARα, PPARγ, CTBP1, and CTBP2 in white adipose tissues.

Conclusion

Our findings position LGZG as a novel strategy for preventing obesity and improving metabolic health.

Capsaicin induces ATP-dependent thermogenesis via the activation of TRPV1/β3-AR/α1-AR in 3T3-L1 adipocytes and mouse model

Capsaicin (CAP) is a natural bioactive compound in chili pepper that activates the transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1 (TRPV1) and is known to stimulate uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1)-dependent thermogenesis. However, its effect on ATP-dependent thermogenesis remains unknown. In this study, we employed qRT-PCR, immunoblot, staining method, and assay kit to investigate the role of CAP on ATP-dependent thermogenesis and its modulatory roles on the TRPV1, β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR), and α1-AR using in vitro and in vivo models. The studies showed that CAP treatment in high-fat diet-induced obese mice resulted in lower body weight gain and elevated ATP-dependent thermogenic effectors' protein and gene expression through ATP-consuming calcium and creatine futile cycles. In both in vitro and in vivo experiments, CAP treatment elevated the protein and gene expressions of sarcoendoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 (SERCA2), ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2), creatine kinase B (CKB), and creatine kinase mitochondrial 2 (CKMT2) mediated by the activation of β3-AR, α1-AR, and TRPV1. Our study showed that CAP increased intracellular Ca2+ levels and the expression of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) which indicates that increased mitochondrial Ca2+ levels lead to increased expression of oxidative phosphorylation protein complexes as a result of ATP-futile cycle activation. A mechanistic study in 3T3-L1 adipocytes revealed that CAP induces UCP1- and ATP-dependent thermogenesis mediated by the β3-AR/PKA/p38MAPK/ERK as well as calcium-dependent α1-AR/TRPV1/CaMKII/AMPK/SIRT1 pathway. Taken together, we identified CAP's novel functional and modulatory roles in UCP1- and ATP-dependent thermogenesis, which is important for developing therapeutic strategies for combating obesity and metabolic diseases.

Hepatoprotection of capsaicin in alcoholic and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are common causes of chronic liver disease that share the range of steatosis, steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and finally, hepatocellular carcinoma. They are identified by the dysregulation of disease-specific signalling pathways and unique microRNAs. Capsaicin is an active ingredient of chilli pepper that acts as an agonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily 1. It seems that the protective role of capsaicin against NAFLD and ALD is linked to its anti-steatotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects. Capsaicin-induced inhibiting metabolic syndrome and gut dysbiosis and increasing bile acids production are also involved in its anti-NAFLD role. This review summarises the different molecular mechanisms underlying the protective role of capsaicin against NAFLD and ALD. More experimental studies are needed to clarify the effects of capsaicin on the expression of genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and hepatocytes apoptosis in NAFLD and ALD.

Capsiate-Rich Fraction of Capsicum annuum Induces Muscular Glucose Uptake, Ameliorates Rosiglitazone-Induced Adipogenesis, and Exhibits Activation of NRs Regulating Multiple Signaling Pathways

Capsiate is a key ingredient in the fruits of a nonpungent cultivar of Capsicum annuum. We investigated the effects of a C. annuum extract (CE) and a capsiate-rich fraction of CE (CR) on nuclear receptors involved in multiple signaling pathways, glucose uptake, and adipogenesis in comparison to pure capsiate (Ca). Similar to the effect of Ca (100 μM), CE (500 μg/mL) and CR (100 μg/mL) caused the activation of PPARα and PPARγ (>3-fold), while CR also activated LXR and NRF2 (>2 fold). CR (200 μg/mL) and Ca (100 μM) decreased lipid accumulation (22.6 ± 14.1 and 49.7 ± 7.3%, respectively) in adipocytes and increased glucose uptake (44.7 ± 6.2 and 30.1 ± 12.2%, respectively) in muscle cells and inhibited the adipogenic effect induced by rosiglitazone by 41.2 ± 5.6 and 13.9 ± 4.3%, respectively. This is the first report to reveal the agonistic action of CR and Ca on multiple nuclear receptors along with their enhanced glucose uptake and antiadipogenic effects. The results indicate the potential utility of the capsiate-rich fraction of C. annuum in alleviating the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and in preventing the undesired adipogenic effects of full PPARγ agonists such as rosiglitazone.

Browning of Mammary Fat Suppresses Pubertal Mammary Gland Development of Mice via Elevation of Serum Phosphatidylcholine and Inhibition of PI3K/Akt Pathway

Mammary fat plays a profound role in the postnatal development of mammary glands. However, the specific types (white, brown, or beige) of adipocytes in mammary fat and their potential regulatory effects on modulating mammary gland development remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of the browning of mammary fat on pubertal mammary gland development and explore the underlying mechanisms. Thus, the mammary gland development and the serum lipid profile were evaluated in mice treated with CL316243, a β3-adrenoceptor agonist, to induce mammary fat browning. In addition, the proliferation of HC11 cells co-cultured with brown adipocytes or treated with the altered serum lipid metabolite was determined. Our results showed that the browning of mammary fat by injection of CL316243 suppressed the pubertal development of mice mammary glands, accompanied by the significant elevation of serum dioleoylphosphocholine (DOPC). In addition, the proliferation of HC11 was repressed when co-cultured with brown adipocytes or treated with DOPC. Furthermore, DOPC suppressed the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, while the DOPC-inhibited HC11 proliferation was reversed by SC79, an Akt activator, suggesting the involvement of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the DOPC-inhibited proliferation of HC11. Together, the browning of mammary fat suppressed the development of the pubertal mammary gland, which was associated with the elevated serum DOPC and the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway.

Are We Ready to Recommend Capsaicin for Disorders Other Than Neuropathic Pain?

Capsaicin, a lipophilic, volatile compound, is responsible for the pungent properties of chili peppers. In recent years, a significant increase in investigations into its properties has allowed the production of new formulations and the development of tools with biotechnological, diagnostic, and potential therapeutic applications. Most of these studies show beneficial effects, improving antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status, inducing thermogenesis, and reducing white adipose tissue. Other mechanisms, including reducing food intake and improving intestinal dysbiosis, are also described. In this way, the possible clinical application of such compound is expanding every year. This opinion article aims to provide a synthesis of recent findings regarding the mechanisms by which capsaicin participates in the control of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

Recent advances in analysis of capsaicin and its effects on metabolic pathways by mass spectrometry

Capsaicin is the main food active component in Capsicum that has gained considerable attention due to its broad biological activities, including antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, weight regulation, cardiac protection, anti-calculi, and diurnal-circadian regulation. The potent biological effects of capsaicin are intimately related to metabolic pathways such as lipid metabolism, energy metabolism, and antioxidant stress. Mass spectrometry (MS) has emerged as an effective tool for deciphering the mechanisms underlying capsaicin metabolism and its biological impacts. However, it remains challenging to accurately identify and quantify capsaicin and its self-metabolites in complex food and biological samples, and to integrate multi-omics data generated from MS. In this work, we summarized recent advances in the detection of capsaicin and its self-metabolites using MS and discussed the relevant MS-based studies of metabolic pathways. Furthermore, we discussed current issues and future directions in this field. In-depth studies of capsaicin metabolism and its physiological functions based on MS is anticipated to yield new insights and methods for preventing and treating a wide range of diseases.

Quercetin, Engelitin and Caffeic Acid of Smilax china L. Polyphenols, Stimulate 3T3-L1 Adipocytes to Brown-like Adipocytes Via β3-AR/AMPK Signaling Pathway

The aim of the present study was to investigate the browning effects mechanism of Smilax china L. polyphenols (SCLP) and its monomer. In this study, polyphenols (SCLP, engeletin, quercetin and caffeic acid) markedly suppressed lipid accumulation. Polyphenols significantly up-graded the expression of protein kinase A (PKA), adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors alpha (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyl transferase (CPT) and acyl-CoA oxidase (ACO) to promote lipolysis and β-oxidation. Moreover, polyphenols greatly enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis in adipocytes, as demonstrated by the expression of Nrf1 and Tfam were up-regulated. Furthermore, polyphenols treatment greatly up-regulated the browning program in adipocytes by increased brown-specific genes and proteins uncoupling protein 1 (UCP-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) and PR domain containing 16 (PRDM16), as well as beige-specific genes (Tmem26, Tbx1, CD137, Cited1), especially engeletin. Further research found that the brown-specific markers were decreased by antagonist treatment of AMPK or β3-AR, but polyphenols treatment reversed the effect of antagonists and improved the expression of UCP-1, PRDM16 and PGC-1α. In conclusion, these results indicated that polyphenols stimulate browning in adipocytes via activation of the β3-AR/AMPK signaling pathway, and SCLP and its monomer may be worth investigating to prevent obesity.

Naringenin, a citrus flavanone, enhances browning and brown adipogenesis: Role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma

Identifying functional brown adipose tissue (BAT) has provided new hope for obesity treatment and prevention. Functional BAT includes classical BAT and brown-like adipose tissue converted from white adipose tissue. By promoting thermogenesis (i.e., heat production) via uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), functional BAT can increase energy expenditure and aid obesity treatment and prevention. Naringenin (NAR) is a flavanone primarily found in citrus fruits. NAR has been reported to decrease body weight, increase energy expenditure in treated mice, and promote browning in human adipocytes. Here, we examined the effects of NAR on 3T3-L1 adipocytes' browning and β-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol (ISO)-stimulated thermogenic activation and classical murine brown adipogenesis. In addition, we demonstrated the signaling pathways and involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) in the process. We found that NAR did not increase Ucp1 mRNA expression at the basal (i.e., non-ISO stimulated) condition. Instead, it enhanced Ucp1 and Pgc-1α up-regulation and thermogenesis under ISO-stimulated conditions in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. NAR promoted protein kinase A (PKA) activation and phosphorylation of p38 MAPK downstream of ISO stimulation and activated PPARγ. Pharmacological inhibition of either PKA or p38 and PPARγ knockdown attenuated Ucp1 up-regulation by NAR. Moreover, NAR promoted brown adipogenesis by increasing lipid accumulation, brown marker expression, and thermogenesis in murine brown adipocytes, which was also attenuated by PPARγ knockdown. Together, our results suggest that NAR may promote the development of functional BAT in part through PPARγ activation. NAR's role in combating human obesity warrants further investigation.

The novel anti-colitic effect of β-adrenergic receptors via modulation of PS1/BACE-1/Aβ axis and NOTCH signaling in an ulcerative colitis model

Although dysautonomia was documented in inflammatory bowel disease, with activation of the stress-related sympathetic system, the role of agonists/antagonists of the adrenergic receptors is not conclusive. Moreover, ulcerative colitis was recently linked to dementia, but the potential role of the presenilin 1(PS1)/BACE-1/beta-amyloid (Aβ) axis has not been evaluated. Hence, we investigated the impact of mirabegron (β3-agonist) and/or carvedilol (β1/β2 antagonist) on iodoacetamide-induced ulcerative colitis with emphasis on the novel pathomechanism of the PS1/BACE-1/Aβ axis in ulcerative colitis, and its relation to the inflammatory cascade, fibrotic processes, and the gut barrier dysfunction. Ulcerated rats were either left untreated or treated for 8 days with mirabegron and/or carvedilol. Besides minimizing colon edema and weight loss, and improving colon structure, mirabegron and/or carvedilol abated colonic PS1/BACE-1/Aβ axis and the NOTCH1/NICD/HES1 hub besides the inflammatory cascade GSK3-β/NF-κΒ/TNF-α, and the oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde. The anti-fibrotic effect was verified by boosting SMAD-7 and inhibiting TGF-β1, α-SMA immunoexpression, and MTC staining. Moreover, the drugs improved the gut barrier function, attested by the increased goblet cells and expression of E-cadherin, and the inhibited expression of p (Y654)-β-catenin to preserve the E-cadherin/β-catenin adherens junction (AJ). These signaling pathways may be orchestrated by the replenished PPAR-γ, a transcription factor known for its anti-colitic effect. Conclusion: Besides maintaining the gut barrier, mirabegron and/or carvedilol mediated their anti-colitic effect by their anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic capacities. The therapeutic effect of these drugs depends partly on suppressing the harmful signaling pathways PS1/BACE-1/Aβ, NOTCH1/NICD/HES1, GSK3-β/NF-κΒ/TNF-α, and TGF-1β/α-SMA while enhancing PPAR-γ, SMAD-7, mucus, and AJ.

Smilax china Polyphenols Stimulate Browning via [Formula: see text]3-Adrenergic Receptor/AMP-Activated Protein Kinase [Formula: see text] Signaling Pathway in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular mechanism of Smilax china L. polyphenols (SCLPs) in enhancing lipid metabolism and stimulating browning to reduce lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. SCLP treatment obviously decreased lipid content in a dose-dependent manner (10-40 μg/mL) in adipocytes. SCLP treatment cooperated with noradrenalin to increase lipolysis. SCLPs reduced the gene expressions of C/EBP[Formula: see text] and Ap2 and enhanced the expressions of ACO, CPT, pHSL/HSL, ATGL, and PKA in adipocytes. Furthermore, SCLPs increased mRNA and protein expressions of brown adipocyte-specific factors (UCP-1, PRDM16, PGC-1α, and PPARγ) and mRNA expressions of beige adipocyte-specific markers (CD137, Tbx1, and Tmem26) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, as well as mitochondrial biogenesis genes (Nrf1 and Tfam). In addition, according to the immunofluorescence staining, the mitochondria number was increased by SCLP. Moreover, β3-AR or AMPK agonist synergistic SCLPs enhanced the expressions of UCP-1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α. While β3-AR or AMPK antagonist significantly decreased the expressions of these brown adipocyte-specific factors, SCLP treatment inhibited the effect of antagonist to improve the expression of UCP-1, PRDM16, and PGC-1α. These results indicated that SCLPs may regulate lipid metabolism and stimulate browning via the β3-AR/AMPKα signaling pathway. Thus, SCLPs likely have potential therapeutic effects on obesity.

Liquiritigenin Inhibits Lipid Accumulation in 3T3-L1 Cells via mTOR-Mediated Regulation of the Autophagy Mechanism

Liquiritigenin (LQG) is a natural flavonoid from the herb Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch that exhibits multiple biological activities. However, its specific role in antiobesity and its related underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. The primary purpose of this study is to explore the effects and regulatory mechanisms of LQG on lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The results show that LQG significantly reduced triglyceride levels and downregulated the expression of transcription factors such as CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Additionally, the expression of sterol-regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1c), acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1 (ACC1), and fatty acid synthase (FASN) involved in lipogenesis was reduced by treatment with LQG. The protein expression levels of light chain 3B (LC3B), autophagy-related protein 7 (ATG7) and p62 were also modulated by LQG, leading to the suppression of autophagy. Further, LQG activated the phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), the inhibition of which was followed by the restored expression of autophagy-related proteins. Pretreatment with an mTOR inhibitor also reverted the expression of several genes or proteins involved in lipid synthesis. These results suggest that LQG inhibited lipid accumulation via mTOR-mediated autophagy in 3T3-L1 white adipocytes, indicating the role of LQG as a potential natural bioactive component for use in dietary supplements for preventing obesity.

Zeaxanthin ameliorates obesity by activating the β3-adrenergic receptor to stimulate inguinal fat thermogenesis and modulating the gut microbiota

The stimulation of fat thermogenesis and modulation of the gut microbiota are promising therapeutic strategies against obesity. Zeaxanthin (ZEA), a carotenoid plant pigment, has been shown to prevent various diseases; however, the therapeutic mechanism for obesity remains unclear. Herein, whether ZEA improves obesity by activating the β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR) to stimulate white adipose tissue (WAT) thermogenesis and modulating the gut microbiota was investigated. C57BL6/N mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with ZEA for 22 weeks. ZEA treatment reduced body weight, fat weight, adipocyte hypertrophy, liver weight, and lipid deposition, and improved dyslipidaemia, serum GPT, GOT, leptin, and irisin levels, glucose intolerance, and insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice. Mechanistically, ZEA treatment induced the expression of β3-AR and thermogenic factors, such as PRDM16, PGC-1α, and UCP1, in inguinal WAT (iWAT) and brown adipose tissue. ZEA treatment stimulated iWAT thermogenesis through the synergistic cooperation of key organelles, which manifested as an increased expression of lipid droplet degradation factors (ATGL, CGI-58 and pHSL), mitochondrial biogenesis factors (Sirt1, Nrf2, Tfam, Nampt and Cyt-C), peroxisomal biogenesis factors (Pex16, Pex19 and Pmp70), and β-oxidation factors (Cpt1, Cpt2, Acadm and Acox1). The thermogenic effect of ZEA was abolished by β3-AR antagonist (SR59230A) treatment. Additionally, dietary supplementation with ZEA reversed gut microbiota dysbiosis by regulating the abundance of Firmicutes, Clostridia, Proteobacteria, and Desulfovibrio, which were associated with the thermogenesis- and obesity-associated indices by Spearman's correlation analysis. Functional analysis of the gut microbiota indicated that ZEA treatment significantly enriched the lipid metabolism pathways. These results demonstrate that ZEA is a promising multi-target functional food for the treatment of obesity by activating β3-AR to stimulate iWAT thermogenesis, and modulating the gut microbiota.

Signaling Targets Related to Antiobesity Effects of Capsaicin: A Scoping Review

The search for new antiobesogenic agents is increasing because of the current obesity pandemic. Capsaicin (Caps), an exogenous agonist of the vanilloid receptor of transient potential type 1 (TRPV1), has shown promising results in the treatment of obesity. This scoping review aims to verify the pathways mediating the effects of Caps in obesity and the different methods adopted to identify these pathways. The search was carried out using data from the EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Studies considered eligible evaluated the mechanisms of action of Caps in obesity models or cell types involved in obesity. Nine studies were included and 100% (n = 6) of the in vivo studies showed a high risk of bias. Of the 9 studies, 66.6% (n = 6) administered Caps orally in the diet and 55.5% (n = 5) used a concentration of Caps of 0.01% in the diet. In vitro, the most tested concentration was 1 μM (88.9%; n = 8). Capsazepine was the antagonist chosen by 66.6% (n = 6) of the studies. Seven studies (77.8%) linked the antiobesogenic effects of Caps to TRPV1 activation and 3 (33.3%) indicated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) involvement as an upstream connection to TRPV1, rather than a direct metabolic target of Caps. The main secondary effects of Caps were lower weight gain (33.3%; n = 3) or loss (22.2%; n = 2), greater improvement in lipid profile (33.3%; n = 3), lower white adipocyte adipogenesis (33.3%; n = 3), browning process activation (44.4%; n = 4), and higher brown adipocyte activity (33.3%; n = 3) compared with those of the control treatment. Some studies have shown that PPAR agonists modulate TRPV1 activity, and no study has evaluated the simultaneous antagonism of these 2 receptors. Consequently, further studies are necessary to elucidate the role of each of these signaling molecules in the antiobesogenic effects of Caps.

Plant Extracts in Obesity: A Role of Gut Microbiota

Obesity has become one of the most serious chronic diseases threatening human health. Its occurrence and development are closely associated with gut microbiota since the disorders of gut microbiota can promote endotoxin production and induce inflammatory response. Recently, numerous plant extracts have been proven to mitigate lipid dysmetabolism and obesity syndrome by regulating the abundance and composition of gut microbiota. In this review, we summarize the potential roles of different plant extracts including mulberry leaf extract, policosanol, cortex moutan, green tea, honokiol, and capsaicin in regulating obesity via gut microbiota. Based on the current findings, plant extracts may be promising agents for the prevention and treatment of obesity and its related metabolic diseases, and the mechanisms might be associated with gut microbiota.

Obese adipose tissue modulates proinflammatory responses of mouse airway epithelial cells

Although recognized as an important endocrine organ, little is known about the mechanisms through which adipose tissue can regulate inflammatory responses in distant tissues, such as lung that are affected by obesity. To explore potential mechanisms, male C57BL/6J mice were provided either high-fat diet, low-fat diet, or were provided a high-fat diet then switched to the low-fat diet to promote weight loss. Visceral adipocytes were then cultured in vitro to generate conditioned media (CM) that was used to treat both primary (mouse tracheal epithelial cells; MTECs) and immortalized (mouse-transformed club cells; MTCCs) airway epithelial cells. Adiponectin levels were greatly depressed in the CM from both obese and diet-switched adipocytes relative to mice continually fed the low-fat diet. MTECs from mice with obesity secreted higher baseline levels of inflammatory cytokines than MTECs from lean or diet-switched mice. MTECs treated with obese adipocyte CM increased their secretion of these cytokines compared with MTECs treated with lean CM. Diet-switched CM modestly decreased the production of cytokines compared with obese CM, and these effects were recapitulated when the CM was used to treat MTCCs. Adipose stromal vascular cells from mice with obesity expressed genes consistent with an M1 macrophage phenotype and decreased eosinophil abundance compared with lean stromal vascular fraction, a profile that persisted in the lean diet-switched mice despite substantial weight loss. Soluble factors secreted from obese adipocytes exert a proinflammatory effect on airway epithelial cells, and these alterations are attenuated by diet-induced weight loss, which could have implications for the airway dysfunction related to obese asthma and its mitigation by weight loss.

Accumulating evidence to support the safe and efficacious use of a proprietary blend of capsaicinoids in mediating risk factors for obesity

Obesity is a significant public health concern, and finding safe and effective means for combating this condition is needed. This study investigates the safety and efficacy of supplementation of a blend of capsaicinoids on weight gain, fat mass, and blood chemistry in a high-fat diet (HFD) model of obesity in mice and on adipocyte differentiation and gene expression in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice were treated with a proprietary capsaicinoid concentrate (Capsimax®; OmniActive Health Technologies Ltd., India) and compared to orlistat (ORL) and normal chow-fed mice (NC). Mice fed a high-fat diet showed significantly lower weight gain upon Capsimax® (CAP) administration than their HFD counterparts and similar to that observed with ORL animals. In addition, CAP decreased the high-fat diet-induced increases in adipose tissue and epididymal fat pad mass and hypertrophy after 52 days of treatment. Both the CAP and ORL groups had increased plasma concentrations of leptin. CAP extracts decreased triacylglycerol content in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and decreased markers of adipogenesis including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-ɣ) and fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4). Expression of genes involved in lipogenesis such as stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and fatty acid synthase (FSN) was decreased by CAP in a dose-dependent manner. Thermogenic genes and markers of brown adipose tissue including uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and PR domain-containing 16 (Prdm16) were induced by CAP in the preadipocyte cells. These in vivo and in vitro data support that this proprietary capsaicinoid concentrate reduces weight gain and adiposity at least in part through decreasing lipogenesis and increasing thermogenesis.

Sesamol promotes browning of white adipocytes to ameliorate obesity by inducing mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibition mitophagy via β3-AR/PKA signaling pathway

Background

Obesity is defined as an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, and it is a serious risk factor of non-communicable diseases. Recently many studies have shown that promoting browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) to increase energy consumption has a great therapeutic potential for obesity. Sesamol, a lignan from sesame oil, had shown potential beneficial functions on obesity treatment.

Objective

In this study, we used C57BL/6J mice and 3T3-L1 adipocytes to investigate the effects and the fundamental mechanisms of sesamol in enhancing the browning of white adipocytes to ameliorate obesity.

Methods

Sixteen-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks to establish the obesity models. Half of the obese mice were administered with sesamol (100 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]/day [d] by gavage for another 8 weeks. Triacylglycerol (TG) and total cholesterol assay kits were used to quantify serum TG and total cholesterol (TC). Oil red O staining was used to detect lipid droplet in vitro. Mito-Tracker Green was used to detect the mitochondrial content. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the levels of beige-specific genes. Immunoblotting was used to detect the proteins involved in beige adipocytes formation.

Results

Sesamol decreased the content of body fat and suppressed lipid accumulation in HFD-induced obese mice. In addition, sesamol significantly upregulated uncoupling protein-1 (UCP1) protein in adipose tissue. Further research found that sesamol also significantly activated the browning program in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes, manifested by the increase in beige-specific genes and proteins. Moreover, sesamol greatly increased mitochondrial biogenesis, as proved by the upregulated protein levels of mitochondrial biogenesis, and the inhibition of the proteins associated with mitophagy. Furthermore, β3-adrenergic receptor (β3-AR), protein kinase A-C (PKA-C) and Phospho-protein kinase A (p-PKA) substrate were elevated by sesamol, and these effects were abolished by the pretreatment of antagonists β3-AR.

Conclusion

Sesamol promoted browning of white adipocytes by inducing mitochondrial biogenesis and inhibiting mitophagy through the β3-AR/PKA pathway. This preclinical data promised the potential to consider sesamol as a metabolic modulator of HFD-induced obesity.

Sweet pepper and its principle constituent capsiate: functional properties and health benefits

Capsiate is a non-pungent analogue of capsaicin. It belongs to the family of capsinoids which are esters of vanillyl alcohol with fatty acids while capsaicin belongs to the family of capsaicinoids that are amides of vanillylamine with a variety of branched-chain fatty acids. While capsaicin is extensively reported for plethora of pharmacological actions, capsiate remains much less explored. Extracted from various species of Capsicum plant, the molecule has also been chemically synthesized via a number of synthetic and enzymatic routes. Based on its action on transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 receptors, recent research has focused on its potential roles in treatment of obesity, metabolic disorders, cancer, cardiovascular disorders and gastro-intestinal disorders. Its toxicity profile has been reported to be much safe. The molecule, however, faces the challenge of low aqueous solubility and stability. It has been commercialized for its use as a weight loss supplement. However, the therapeutic potential of the compound which is much beyond boosting metabolism remains unexplored hitherto. This comprehensive review summarizes the studies demonstrating the therapeutic potential of capsiate in various pathological conditions. Discussed also are potential future directions for formulation strategies to develop efficient, safe and cost-effective dosage forms of capsiate to explore its role in various disease conditions. The databases investigated include Cochrane library, Medline, Embase, Pubmed and in-house databases. The search terms were "capsiate," "capsinoids," "thermogenesis," and their combinations. The articles were screened for relevance by going through their abstract. All the articles pertaining to physicochemical, physiological, pharmacological and therapeutic effects of capsiate have been included in the manuscript.

Extraction, purification, bioactivity and pharmacological effects of capsaicin: a review

Capsaicin (trans-8-methyl-N-vanillyl-6-nonenamide), a well-known vanilloid, which is the main spicy component in chili peppers, showing several biological activities and the potential applications range from food flavorings to therapeutics. Traditional extraction of capsaicin by organic solvents was time-consuming, some new methods such as aqueous two-phase method and ionic liquid extraction method have been developed. During past few decades, an ample variety of biological effects of capsaicin have been evaluated. Capsaicin can be used in biofilms and antifouling coatings due to its antimicrobial activity, allowing it has a promising application in food packaging, food preservation, marine environment and dental therapy. Capsaicin also play a crucial role in metabolic disorders, including weight loss, pressure lowing and insulin reduction effects. In addition, capsaicin was identified effective on preventing human cancers, such as lung cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting cell proliferation of tumor cells. Previous research also suggest the positive effects of capsaicin on pain relief and cognitive impairment. Capsaicin, the agonist of transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1), could selectively activate TRPV1, inducing Ca²⁺ influx and related signaling pathways. Recently, gut microbiota was also involved in some diseases therapeutics, but its influence on the effects of capsaicin still need to be deeply studied. In this review, different extraction and purification methods of capsaicin, its biological activities and pharmacological effects were systematically summarized, as well as the possible mechanisms were also deeply discussed. This article will give an updated and better understanding of capsaicin-related biological effects and provide theoretical basis for its further research and applications in human health and manufacture development.

The gut microbiota metabolite capsiate promotes Gpx4 expression by activating TRPV1 to inhibit intestinal ischemia reperfusion-induced ferroptosis

Ferroptosis, a new type of cell death has been found to aggravate intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, little is known about the changes of gut microbiota and metabolites in intestinal I/R and the role of gut microbiota metabolites on ferroptosis-induced intestinal I/R injury. This study aimed to establish a mouse intestinal I/R model and ileum organoid hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) model to explore the changes of the gut microbiota and metabolites during intestinal I/R and protective ability of capsiate (CAT) against ferroptosis-dependent intestinal I/R injury. Intestinal I/R induced disturbance of gut microbiota and significant changes in metabolites. We found that CAT is a metabolite of the gut microbiota and that CAT levels in the preoperative stool of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass were negatively correlated with intestinal I/R injury. Furthermore, CAT reduced ferroptosis-dependent intestinal I/R injury in vivo and in vitro. However, the protective effects of CAT against ferroptosis-dependent intestinal I/R injury were abolished by RSL3, an inhibitor of glutathione peroxidase 4 (Gpx4), which is a negative regulator of ferroptosis. We also found that the ability of CAT to promote Gpx4 expression and inhibit ferroptosis-dependent intestinal I/R injury was abrogated by JNJ-17203212, an antagonist of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1). This study suggests that the gut microbiota metabolite CAT enhances Gpx4 expression and inhibits ferroptosis by activating TRPV1 in intestinal I/R injury, providing a potential avenue for the management of intestinal I/R injury.

Plant extracts in prevention of obesity

Obesity has become a worldwide issue and is accompanied by serious complications. Western high energy diet has been identified to be a major factor contributing to the current obesity pandemic. Thus, it is important to optimize dietary composition, bioactive substances, and agents to prevent and treat obesity. To date, extracts from plants, such as vegetables, tea, fruits, and Chinese herbal medicine, have been showed to have the abilities of regulating adipogenesis and attenuating obesity. These plant extracts mainly contain polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which could play a significant role in anti-obesity through various signaling pathways and gut microbiota. Those reported anti-obesity mechanisms mainly include inhibiting white adipose tissue growth and lipogenesis, promoting lipolysis, brown/beige adipose tissue development, and muscle thermogenesis. In this review, we summarize the plant extracts and their possible mechanisms responsible for their anti-obesity effects. Based on the current findings, dietary plant extracts and foods containing these bioactive compounds can be potential preventive or therapeutic agents for obesity and its related metabolic diseases.

Anti-obesity effects of capsaicin and the underlying mechanisms: a review

Obesity and overweight have become serious health problems in the world and are linked to a variety of metabolic disorders. Phytochemicals with a weight-loss effect have been widely studied for the past few decades. Capsaicin is the major bioactive component in red chili peppers with many beneficial functions. Its anti-obesity effects have been evaluated extensively using different model systems, including cell models, animal models and human subjects. In this paper, anti-obesity effects of capsaicin are reviewed and the underlying mechanisms are characterized.

Anticancer Potential and Capsianosides Identification in Lipophilic Fraction of Sweet Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)

This study aimed to determine the health-promoting properties of sweet pepper by comparing the activity of fractions with variable lipophilicity. Fractions from red pericarp: aqueous (F1), 40% MeOH (F2), and 70% MeOH (F3) were analyzed for antiradical activity (with DPPH^• and ABTS^+•), and the contents of total phenolic compounds (TP), flavonoids (TF), and dihydroxycinnamic acids (TDHCA). The anticancer potential of the fractions was evaluated in vitro using different cancer cell lines: human colorectal carcinoma (HCT116) and PC-3 (prostate cancer cell). Fibroblast-like cells of L929 obtained from subcutaneous adipose tissue of mouse were used as normal cells. The highest content of TP, TF, and TDHCA along with the strongest antiradical activity was observed for fraction F2, while the strongest anticancer properties against PC-3 were observed in fraction F3. Fraction F3 primarily contained capsianoside derivatives, which had been isolated through chromatographic methods and identified by spectral methods. These analyses helped in identifying 8 compounds, including 3 new compounds.

Sesamol Alleviates Obesity-Related Hepatic Steatosis via Activating Hepatic PKA Pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effect of sesamol (SEM) on the protein kinase A (PKA) pathway in obesity-related hepatic steatosis treatment by using high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice and a palmitic acid (PA)-treated HepG2 cell line. SEM reduced the body weight gain of obese mice and alleviated related metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance, hyperlipidemia, and systemic inflammation. Furthermore, lipid accumulation in the liver and HepG2 cells was reduced by SEM. SEM downregulated the gene and protein levels of lipogenic regulator factors, and upregulated the gene and protein levels of the regulator factors responsible for lipolysis and fatty acid β-oxidation. Meanwhile, SEM activated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which might explain the regulatory effect of SEM on fatty acid β-oxidation and lipogenesis. Additionally, the PKA-C and phospho-PKA substrate levels were higher after SEM treatment. Further research found that after pretreatment with the PKA inhibitor, H89, lipid accumulation was increased even with SEM administration in HepG2 cells, and the effect of SEM on lipid metabolism-related regulator factors was abolished by H89. In conclusion, SEM has a positive therapeutic effect on obesity and obesity-related hepatic steatosis by regulating the hepatic lipid metabolism mediated by the PKA pathway.

Capsaicin—the major bioactive ingredient of chili peppers: bio-efficacy and delivery systems

The mechanisms of bio-efficacy of capsaicin and delivery systems with enhanced bioavailability were reviewed.

(-)-O-Methylcubebin from Vitex trifolia Enhanced Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Cells via the Inhibition of ERK1/2 and p38MAPK Phosphorylation

In this study, for the purpose of elucidation for antidiabetic components, we isolated and identified compounds that could become lead compounds for the development of antidiabetic agents from the herbal medicine Vitex trifolia, which is used for liver protection in Myanmar. Three kinds of lignan, (-)-O-methylcubebin (MC), (-)-hinokinin, and (-)-cubebin, were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of the leaves of V. trifolia, using various chromatography. Among the three isolated compounds, MC showed the strongest effects to increase intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. From the results of the elucidation of the MC’s effects on the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells, the downsizing of adipocytes and the promotion of the expression of adipogenesis-related proteins, as well as adiponectin, were observed. On the other hand, since the activity of MC was inhibited by antagonists of PPARγ and improved by inhibitors of the classical mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and p38MAPK pathway, MC was considered to be an agonist of PPARγ, and furthermore promoted adipogenesis via the inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38MAPK phosphorylation. Although MC showed similar effects to those of rosiglitazone (RO) used as a positive control, RO promoted the migration of GLUT4 from the cytoplasm to the cell membrane, whereas MC did not show such an effect. From the abovementioned results, it was considered that MC could be a lead compound for the development of antidiabetic drugs that does not show weight gain, which is a side effect of RO.

Milagro F, Sánchez J, de la Garza AL, Castro H. miRNAs and Novel Food Compounds Related to the Browning Process

Obesity prevalence is rapidly increasing worldwide. With the discovery of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult humans, BAT activation has emerged as a potential strategy for increasing energy expenditure. Recently, the presence of a third type of fat, referred to as beige or brite (brown in white), has been recognized to be present in certain kinds of white adipose tissue (WAT) depots. It has been suggested that WAT can undergo the process of browning in response to stimuli that induce and enhance the expression of thermogenesis: a metabolic feature typically associated with BAT. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small transcriptional regulators that control gene expression in a variety of tissues, including WAT and BAT. Likewise, it was shown that several food compounds could influence miRNAs associated with browning, thus, potentially contributing to the management of excessive adipose tissue accumulation (obesity) through specific nutritional and dietetic approaches. Therefore, this has created significant excitement towards the development of a promising dietary strategy to promote browning/beiging in WAT to potentially contribute to combat the growing epidemic of obesity. For this reason, we summarize the current knowledge about miRNAs and food compounds that could be applied in promoting adipose browning, as well as the cellular mechanisms involved.