《细胞》封面聚焦减脂新进展！华东师大科研团队揭示：局部热疗激活米色脂肪产热新机制，为科学、安全高效减肥带来突破

Core Viewpoint - Obesity has become a global epidemic, significantly increasing the risk of metabolic disorders, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, and cardiovascular diseases, making it a critical public health issue [6][19]. Research Findings - Recent research from East China Normal University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University reveals that local mild hyperthermia can activate the HSF1-A2B1 transcriptional axis, inducing beige fat thermogenesis, effectively preventing and treating obesity, and improving insulin resistance and liver lipid accumulation [7][19]. Mechanism of Action - Fat tissue can be categorized into white, brown, and beige fat, with beige fat having the ability to burn energy when activated [9]. The study focuses on the transformation of white fat to beige fat, known as browning, as a key strategy in combating obesity and metabolic diseases [9][19]. - Local hyperthermia (LHT) was applied using a photothermal hydrogel injected into the white fat area of mice, activated by near-infrared light, achieving a temperature of 41°C ± 0.5°C [11][12]. Safety and Efficacy - Long-term studies in mouse models demonstrated that LHT effectively prevents and treats obesity caused by a high-fat diet without significant side effects, indicating its safety and efficacy for long-term use [12][19]. Genetic Insights - The research identified a specific mutation in the HSF1 gene that correlates with lower BMI and better metabolic profiles among individuals, suggesting that activating the HSF1-A2B1 pathway could have significant clinical implications for obesity prevention and treatment [17][19]. Future Applications - The study opens avenues for developing wearable devices based on LHT technology, potentially providing safer and more effective treatment options for obesity and metabolic diseases, thereby reducing the healthcare burden [19].