Research

Hormonal

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) secreted by brown adipose tissue is required for the insulin-sensitizing effects of BAT transplantation, acting as a key 'batokine'.

This finding highlights the complexity of metabolic signaling. While exercise and cold exposure increase IL-6, its source and context determine its effect. BAT-derived IL-6 improves insulin sensitivity, whereas chronic elevation in obesity may contribute to resistance. Focus on activating BAT through cold exposure to harness these beneficial hormonal effects.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
the improved metabolic profile was lost when BAT used for transplantation came from IL-6 knockout mice, clearly demonstrating that BAT-derived IL-6 is required for the profound effects of BAT transplantation on glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity.
Anne-Laure Poher et al. · Frontiers in Physiology · 2015

Why this rating

Based on rodent transplantation studies showing loss of effect without IL-6.

Source

Brown adipose tissue activity as a target for the treatment of obesity/insulin resistance

Anne-Laure Poher et al. · Frontiers in Physiology · 2015

DOI 10.3389/fphys.2015.00004

narrative_reviewCited 204×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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