Figure 10.

Scheme of the role of autophagy in Gao-binge alcohol–induced adipose atrophy and liver injury. Alcohol suppresses mTOR and increases autophagy in adipocytes. Alcohol also increases adipocyte atrophy, lipolysis, and circulation levels of serum adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21). In A-Atg5 KO mice, adipocyte autophagy is inhibited, which is associated with increased beige adipocyte appearance, and alleviates alcohol-induced adipose atrophy and liver injury. The increased circulating FGF21 and adiponectin likely play a protective role against alcohol-induced liver injury. ALT, alanine aminotransferase; AST, aspartate aminotransferase; BAT, brown adipose tissue; FFA, free fatty acid; mTORC1, mTOR complex 1; TG, triglyceride; WAT, white adipose tissue.