Regulatory mechanisms underlying interleukin-6 expression in murine brown adipocytes.

Three types of adipocytes, white, brown, and beige, regulate the systemic energy balance through the storage and expenditure of chemical energy. In addition, adipocytes produce various bioactive molecules known as adipokines. In contrast to white adipocyte-derived molecules, less information is available on the adipokines produced by brown adipocytes (batokine).

Stimulation of uncoupling protein 1 expression by β-alanine in brown adipocytes.

Carnosine, which is abundant in meat, is a dipeptide composed of β-alanine and histidine, known to afford various health benefits. It has been suggested that carnosine can elicit an anti-obesity effect via induction and activation of brown/beige adipocytes responsible for non-shivering thermogenesis. However, the relationship between carnosine and brown/beige adipocytes has not been comprehensively elucidated.

Enhancement of vitamin C-induced myogenesis by inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway.

Myogenesis is a complex process that is regulated by a variety of factors. We have previously shown that vitamin C and mild endoplasmic reticulum stress synergistically enhance myogenesis. The present study evaluated the effects of vitamin C (ascorbic acid (AsA) and AsA 2-phosphate (AsAp)) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway on myogenesis.