Until two decades ago, brown adipose tissue (BAT) was studied primarily as a thermogenic organ of small rodents in the context of cold adaptation. The discovery of functional human BAT has opened new opportunities to understand its physiological role in energy balance and therapeutic applications for metabolic disorders. Significantly, the role of BAT extends far beyond thermogenesis, including glucose and lipid homeostasis, by releasing mediators that communicate with other cells and organs. The field has made major advances by using new model systems, ranging from subcellular studies to clinical trials, which have also led to debates. In this perspective, we identify six fundamental issues that are currently controversial and comprise dichotomous models. Each side presents supporting evidence and, critically, the necessary methods and falsifiable experiments that would resolve the dispute. With this collaborative approach, the field will continue to productively advance the understanding of BAT physiology, appreciate the importance of thermogenic adipocytes as a central area of ongoing research, and realize the therapeutic potential.

中文翻译：

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棕色脂肪组织研究中新兴的辩论和决议


直到二十年前，棕色脂肪组织 （BAT） 主要是作为小型啮齿动物在寒冷适应背景下的产热器官进行研究。功能性人类 BAT 的发现为了解其在能量平衡和代谢紊乱治疗应用中的生理作用提供了新的机会。值得注意的是，BAT 的作用远远超出了产热，包括葡萄糖和脂质稳态，它通过释放与其他细胞和器官交流的介质。该领域通过使用新的模型系统取得了重大进展，从亚细胞研究到临床试验，这也引发了争论。从这个角度来看，我们确定了目前存在争议并构成二分法模型的六个基本问题。每一方都提供了支持性证据，最重要的是，提出了解决争端的必要方法和可证伪的实验。通过这种合作方法，该领域将继续有效地推进对 BAT 生理学的理解，认识到产热脂肪细胞作为正在进行的研究中心领域的重要性，并实现治疗潜力。