Epicardial adipose tissue in contemporary cardiology

Correlation between epicardial adipose tissue and myocardial injury in patients with COVID-19

Background: Many people infected with COVID-19 develop myocardial injury. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is among the various risk factors contributing to coronary artery disease. However, its correlation with myocardial injury in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 remains uncertain. Methods: We examined myocardial biomarkers in population affected by COVID-19 during the period from December 2022 to January 2023. The patients without myocardial injury were referred to as group A (n = 152) and those with myocardial injury were referred to as group B (n = 212). Results: 1) The A group and the B group exhibitedstatistically significant differences in terms of age, TC, CRP, Cr, BUN, LDL-C, IL-6, BNP, LVEF and EAT (p < 0.05). 2) EAT volumehad a close relationship with IL-6, LDL-C, cTnI, and CRP (p < 0.05); the corresponding correlation coefficient values were 0.24, 0.21, 0.24, and 0.16. In contrast to those with lower EAT volume, more subjects with a higher volume of EAT had myocardial injury (p < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that EAT, LDL-C, Age and Cr were established as independent risk variables for myocardial injury in subjects affected by COVID-19. 3) In COVID-19 patients, the likelihood of myocardial injury rised notably as EAT levels increase (p < 0.001). Addition of EAT to the basic risk model for myocardial injury resulted in improved reclassification. (Net reclassification index: 58.17%, 95% CI: 38.35%, 77.99%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Patients suffering from COVID-19 with higher volume EAT was prone to follow myocardial injury and EAT was an independent predictor of heart damage in these individuals.

DEep LearnIng-based QuaNtification of epicardial adipose tissue predicts MACE in patients undergoing stress CMR

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

This study investigated the additional prognostic value of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients undergoing stress cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging.

METHODS

730 consecutive patients [mean age: 63 ± 10 years; 616 men] who underwent stress CMR for known or suspected coronary artery disease were randomly divided into derivation (n = 365) and validation (n = 365) cohorts. MACE was defined as non-fatal myocardial infarction and cardiac deaths. A deep learning algorithm was developed and trained to quantify EAT volume from CMR. EAT volume was adjusted for height (EAT volume index). A composite CMR-based risk score by Cox analysis of the risk of MACE was created.

RESULTS

In the derivation cohort, 32 patients (8.7 %) developed MACE during a follow-up of 2103 days. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 35 % (HR 4.407 [95 % CI 1.903-10.202]; p<0.001), stress perfusion defect (HR 3.550 [95 % CI 1.765-7.138]; p<0.001), late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) (HR 4.428 [95%CI 1.822-10.759]; p = 0.001) and EAT volume index (HR 1.082 [95 % CI 1.045-1.120]; p<0.001) were independent predictors of MACE. In a multivariate Cox regression analysis, adding EAT volume index to a composite risk score including LVEF, stress perfusion defect and LGE provided additional value in MACE prediction, with a net reclassification improvement of 0.683 (95%CI, 0.336-1.03; p<0.001). The combined evaluation of risk score and EAT volume index showed a higher Harrel C statistic as compared to risk score (0.85 vs. 0.76; p<0.001) and EAT volume index alone (0.85 vs.0.74; p<0.001). These findings were confirmed in the validation cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with clinically indicated stress CMR, fully automated EAT volume measured by deep learning can provide additional prognostic information on top of standard clinical and imaging parameters.

New Mechanisms to Prevent Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonism (GLP-1 RA) in Metabolic Syndrome and in Type 2 Diabetes: A Review

This review examines the impact of obesity on the pathophysiology of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and focuses on novel mechanisms for HFpEF prevention using a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonism (GLP-1 RA). Obesity can lead to HFpEF through various mechanisms, including low-grade systemic inflammation, adipocyte dysfunction, accumulation of visceral adipose tissue, and increased pericardial/epicardial adipose tissue (contributing to an increase in myocardial fat content and interstitial fibrosis). Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is an incretin hormone that is released from the enteroendocrine L-cells in the gut. GLP-1 reduces blood glucose levels by stimulating insulin synthesis, suppressing islet α-cell function, and promoting the proliferation and differentiation of β-cells. GLP-1 regulates gastric emptying and appetite, and GLP-1 RA is currently indicated for treating type 2 diabetes (T2D), obesity, and metabolic syndrome (MS). Recent evidence indicates that GLP-1 RA may play a significant role in preventing HFpEF in patients with obesity, MS, or obese T2D. This effect may be due to activating cardioprotective mechanisms (the endogenous counter-regulatory renin angiotensin system and the AMPK/mTOR pathway) and by inhibiting deleterious remodeling mechanisms (the PKA/RhoA/ROCK pathway, aldosterone levels, and microinflammation). However, there is still a need for further research to validate the impact of these mechanisms on humans.

Ventricular Epicardial Adipose Distribution on Human Hearts: 3-Dimensional Reconstructions and Quantitative Assessments

Epicardial interventions have forged new frontiers in cardiac ablation and device therapies. Healthy human hearts typically present with significant adipose tissue layers superficial to the ventricular myocardium and may hinder success or increase the complexities of epicardial interventions. We quantitatively evaluated the distribution of epicardial adipose tissue on the surface of human hearts and provided high-fidelity 3-dimensional reconstructions of these epicardial adipose tissue layers. The regional thickness of adipose tissues was analyzed at 51 anatomical reference points surrounding both ventricles and compared to specific patient demographics. Adipose deposits on the human hearts displayed characteristic patterns, with the thickest accumulations along the interventricular septa (anterior, 9.01 ± 0.50 mm; posterior, 6.78 ± 0.50 mm) and the right ventricular margin (7.44 ± 0.57 mm). We provide one of the most complete characterizations of human epicardial adipose location and relative layer thickness. These results are considered fundamental for an underlying anatomic understanding when performing procedures within the pericardial space.

Atherosclerosis and the Bidirectional Relationship between Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease: From Bench to Bedside-Part 1

Atherosclerosis, a complex metabolic-immune disease characterized by chronic inflammation driven by the buildup of lipid-rich plaques within arterial walls, has emerged as a pivotal factor in the intricate interplay between cancer and cardiovascular disease. This bidirectional relationship, marked by shared risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms, underscores the need for a comprehensive understanding of how these two formidable health challenges intersect and influence each other. Cancer and its treatments can contribute to the progression of atherosclerosis, while atherosclerosis, with its inflammatory microenvironment, can exert profound effects on cancer development and outcomes. Both cancer and cardiovascular disease involve intricate interactions between general and personal exposomes. In this review, we aim to summarize the state of the art of translational data and try to show how oncologic studies on cardiotoxicity can broaden our knowledge of crucial pathways in cardiovascular biology and exert a positive impact on precision cardiology and cardio-oncology.

Correlation of ventricle epicardial fat volume and triglyceride-glucose index in patients with chronic heart failure

To explore the association of ventricle epicardial fat volume (EFV) calculated by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) and the insulin resistance indicator of triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index in patients with chronic HF (CHF), this retrospective cohort study included adult CHF patients with confirmed diagnosis of heart failure from January 2018 to December 2020. All patients underwent 3.0T CMR, and EFV were measured under short-axis cine. Spearman correlation, multivariate linear regression, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression were used to analyze their association. There were 516 patients with CHF, of whom 69.8% were male. Median EFV was 57.14mL and mean TyG index was 8.48. Spearman correlation analysis showed that TyG index was significantly correlated with the EFV in CHF patients (r = 0.247, P < 0.001). Further analysis showed that TyG index levels were significantly associated with EFV as both continuous variables (Unstandardized β = 6.556, P < 0.001) and across the increasing quartiles (β = 7.50, 95% CI [1.41, 13.59], P < 0.05). RCS demonstrated there were a positive trend and linear association between EFV and TyG index in CHF patients (P for nonliearity = 0.941). In patients with CHF, the TyG index was positively and linearly associated with the EFV, which supports the metabolic roles of epicardial adipose tissue regarding insulin resistance.

Adipocyte-mediated electrophysiological remodeling of human stem cell - derived cardiomyocytes

Adipocytes normally accumulate in the epicardial and pericardial layers around the human heart, but their infiltration into the myocardium can be proarrhythmic. METHODS AND RESULTS: Human adipose derived stem/stromal cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC) were differentiated, respectively into predominantly white fat-like adipocytes (hAdip) and ventricular cardiomyocytes (CMs). Adipocytes cultured in CM maintenance medium (CM medium) maintained their morphology, continued to express adipogenic markers, and retained clusters of intracellular lipid droplets. In contrast, hiPSC-CMs cultivated in adipogenic growth medium displayed abnormal cell morphologies and more clustering across the monolayer. Pre-plated hiPSC-CMs co-cultured in direct contact with hAdips in CM medium displayed prolonged action potential durations, increased triangulation, slowed conduction velocity, increased conduction velocity heterogeneity, and prolonged calcium transients. When hAdip-conditioned medium was added to monolayer cultures of hiPSC-CMs, results similar to those recorded with direct co-cultures were observed. Both co-culture and conditioned medium experiments resulted in increases in transcript abundance of SCN10A, CACNA1C, SLC8A1, and RYR2, with a decrease in KCNJ2. Human adipokine immunoblots revealed the presence of cytokines that were elevated in adipocyte-conditioned medium, including MCP-1, IL-6, IL-8 and CFD that could induce electrophysiological changes in cultured hiPSC-CMs. CONCLUSIONS: Co-culture of hiPSC-CMs with hAdips reveals a potentially pathogenic role of infiltrating human adipocytes on myocardial tissue. In the absence of structural changes, hAdip paracrine release alone is sufficient to cause CM electrophysiological dysfunction mirroring the co-culture conditions. These effects, mediated largely by paracrine mechanisms, could promote arrhythmias in the heart.

Epicardial Space: Comprehensive Anatomy and Spectrum of Disease

The epicardial space (ES) is the anatomic region located between the myocardium and the pericardium. This space includes the visceral pericardium and the epicardial fat that contains the epicardial coronary arteries, cardiac veins, lymphatic channels, and nerves. The epicardial fat represents the main component of the ES. This fat deposit has been a focus of research in recent years owing to its properties and relationship with coronary gossypiboma plaque and atrial fibrillation. Although this region is sometimes forgotten, a broad spectrum of lesions can be found in the ES and can be divided into neoplastic and nonneoplastic categories. Epicardial neoplastic lesions include lipoma, paraganglioma, metastases, angiosarcoma, and lymphoma. Epicardial nonneoplastic lesions encompass inflammatory infiltrative disorders, such as immunoglobulin G4-related disease and Erdheim-Chester disease, along with hydatidosis, abscesses, coronary abnormalities, pseudoaneurysms, hematoma, lipomatosis, and gossypiboma. Initial imaging of epicardial lesions may be performed with echocardiography, but CT and cardiac MRI are the best imaging modalities to help characterize epicardial lesions. Due to the nonspecific onset of signs and symptoms, the clinical history of a patient can play a crucial role in the diagnosis. A history of malignancy, multisystem diseases, prior trauma, myocardial infarction, or cardiac surgery can help narrow the differential diagnosis. The diagnostic approach to epicardial lesions should be made on the basis of the specific location, characteristic imaging features, and clinical background. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Uncovering the link between diabetes and cardiovascular diseases: insights from adipose-derived stem cells

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The escalating global occurrence of obesity and diabetes mellitus (DM) has led to a significant upsurge in individuals afflicted with CVDs. As the prevalence of CVDs continues to rise, it is becoming increasingly important to identify the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that contribute to their development and progression, which will help discover novel therapeutic avenues. Adipose tissue (AT) is a connective tissue that plays a crucial role in maintaining lipid and glucose homeostasis. However, when AT is exposed to diseased conditions, such as DM, this tissue will alter its phenotype to become dysfunctional. AT is now recognized as a critical contributor to CVDs, especially in patients with DM. AT is comprised of a heterogeneous cellular population, which includes adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs). ADSCs resident in AT are believed to regulate physiological cardiac function and have potential cardioprotective roles. However, recent studies have also shown that ADSCs from various adipose tissue depots become pro-apoptotic, pro-inflammatory, less angiogenic, and lose their ability to differentiate into various cell lineages upon exposure to diabetic conditions. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the physiological roles of ADSCs, the impact of DM on ADSC phenotypic changes, and how these alterations may contribute to the pathogenesis of CVDs.

Pleiotropic attenuating effect of Ginkgo biloba against isoprenaline-induced myocardial infarction via improving Bcl-2/mTOR/ERK1/2/Na+, K+-ATPase activities

Objective

Myocardial infarction (MI) is linked to an imbalance in the supply and demand of blood oxygen in the heart muscles. Beta-blockers and calcium antagonists are just two of the common medications used to treat MI. However, these have reportedly been shown to be either ineffective or to have undesirable side effects. Extract of Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBE), a Chinese herbal product offers special compatibility benefits in therapeutic settings relating to inflammatory diseases and oxidative stress. In order to better understand how GBE affects MI in rats insulted by isoprenaline (ISO), the current study was designed.

Methods

The heart weight index, serum lipid profile, cardiac marker enzymes, endogenous antioxidants [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), nitrites and malondialdehyde (MDA)], inflammatory mediators [tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)], immunohistochemical expressions of B-cell lymphoma factor-2 (Bcl-2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and histopathological analysis were used to assess the cardioprotective properties of GBE.

Results

The findings showed that GBE effectively attenuated myocardial infarction by boosting the body's natural antioxidant defense system and reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines as well as heart injury marker enzymes. The expression of Bcl-2, ERK1/2 and mTOR was increased while the histomorphological alterations were reversed.

Conclusion

The cardioprotective effects of GBE may be due to a mechanism involving increased Bcl-2/mTOR/ERK1/2/Na+, K+-ATPase activity.

Epicardial Adipose Tissue: a Potential Therapeutic Target for Cardiovascular Diseases

With increased ageing of the population, cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become the most important factor endangering human health worldwide. Although the treatment of CVD has become increasingly advanced, there are still a considerable number of patients with conditions that have not improved. According to the latest clinical guidelines of the European Cardiovascular Association, obesity has become an independent risk factor for CVD. Adipose tissue includes visceral adipose tissue and subcutaneous adipose tissue. Many previous studies have focused on subcutaneous adipose tissue, but visceral adipose tissue has been rarely studied. However, as a type of visceral adipose tissue, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has attracted the attention of researchers because of its unique anatomical and physiological characteristics. This review will systematically describe the physiological characteristics and evaluation methods of EAT and emphasize the important role and treatment measures of EAT in CVD.

[Morphofunctional Analysis of the Role of Epicardial Adipose Tissue in the Formation of the Obesity Paradox in Chronic Heart Failure]

Based on the available modern medical literature, the article summarizes data on the morpho-functional significance of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in health and heart failure, analyzes the likelihood and reliability of the formation of the obesity paradox, and also discusses its possible morpho-functional mechanisms. The authors reviewed and analyzed the consequences of the obesity paradox in the aspect of the normal EAT phenotype protectivity. The review proposed ways of further research in this direction aimed at a deep anatomical and physiological analysis and at determining the morpho-functional role of EAT in the adaptive mechanisms of myocardial trophic provision, which may be an important part of the pathogenetic connection between obesity and CHF and, therefore, can improve outcomes in such patients.

The zebrafish heart harbors a thermogenic beige fat depot analog of human epicardial adipose tissue

Epicardial adipose tissue (eAT) is a metabolically active fat depot that has been associated with a wide array of cardiac homeostatic functions and cardiometabolic diseases. A full understanding of its diverse physiological and pathological roles is hindered by the dearth of animal models. Here, we show, in the heart of an ectothermic teleost, the zebrafish, the existence of a fat depot localized underneath the epicardium, originating from the epicardium and exhibiting the molecular signature of beige adipocytes. Moreover, a subset of adipocytes within this cardiac fat tissue exhibits primitive thermogenic potential. Transcriptomic profiling and cross-species analysis revealed elevated glycolytic and cardiac homeostatic gene expression with downregulated obesity and inflammatory hallmarks in the teleost eAT compared to that of lean aged humans. Our findings unveil epicardium-derived beige fat in the heart of an ectotherm considered to possess solely white adipocytes for energy storage and identify pathways that may underlie age-driven remodeling of human eAT.

Endothelial dysfunction and risk factors for atherosclerosis in psoriatic arthritis: overview and comparison with rheumatoid arthritis

Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is defined as an impairment in the vasodilatory, anti-thrombotic, and anti-inflammatory properties of the cells that make up the lining of blood vessels. ED is considered a key step in the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The association between ED and systemic inflammatory diseases is well established. However, the prevalence and clinical significance of ED in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) have been investigated to a lesser extent. This review aims to explore the link between ED and PsA, including ED in macro- and microcirculation, as well as risk factors for its occurrence in PsA and its relationship with atherosclerosis in PsA. Furthermore, the ED in PsA was compared with that of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Regarding ED in the microcirculation, the coronary flow reserve was found to be significantly reduced in individuals with PsA. The relationship between PsA and macrovascular ED is more pronounced, along with more advanced atherosclerosis detected in patients with PsA. These results are consistent with those obtained in RA studies. On the other hand, arterial stiffness and signs of vascular remodeling were found more frequently in RA than in PsA, with the potential role of efficient anti-TNF treatment in patients with PsA and psoriasis explaining this finding. The impact of ED on cardiovascular diseases and the burden of this risk caused independently by PsA have not yet been precisely established, however, this group of patients requires special attention with regard to cardiovascular events.

The Role of Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Acute Coronary Syndromes, Post-Infarct Remodeling and Cardiac Regeneration

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a fat deposit surrounding the heart and located under the visceral layer of the pericardium. Due to its unique features, the contribution of EAT to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders is extensively studied. Especially, EAT can be associated with the onset and development of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction and post-infarct heart failure which all are significant problems for public health. In this article, we focus on the mechanisms of how EAT impacts acute coronary syndromes. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of inflammation and adipokines secreted by EAT. Moreover, we present how EAT affects the remodeling of the heart following myocardial infarction. We further review the role of EAT as a source of stem cells for cardiac regeneration. In addition, we describe the imaging assessment of EAT, its prognostic value, and its correlation with the clinical characteristics of patients.

Role of epicardial adipose tissue in diabetic cardiomyopathy through the lens of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging - a narrative review

Accumulating evidence suggests that ectopic/visceral adiposity may play a key role in the pathogenesis of nonischaemic cardiovascular diseases associated with type 2 diabetes. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a complex visceral fat depot, covering 80% of the cardiac surface with anatomical and functional contiguity to the myocardium and coronary arteries. EAT interacts with the biology of the underlying myocardium by secreting a wide range of adipokines. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the reference modality for structural and functional imaging of the heart. The technique is now also emerging as the reference imaging modality for EAT quantification. With this narrative review, we (a) surveyed contemporary clinical studies that utilized cardiovascular MRI to characterize EAT (studies published 2010-2023); (b) listed the clinical trials monitoring the response to treatment in EAT size as well as myocardial functional and structural parameters and (c) discussed the potential pathophysiological role of EAT in the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy. We concluded that increased EAT quantity and its inflammatory phenotype correlate with early signs of left ventricle dysfunction and may have a role in the pathogenesis of cardiac disease in diabetes with and without coronary artery disease.

Epicardial fat thickness in type 2 diabetes outpatient care

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Visceral fat is an independent predictor of the cardiovascular risk in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), but it is rarely assessed during an outpatient visit. Epicardial fat (EAT), the visceral fat of the heart, plays a role in coronary artery disease (CAD). EAT thickness can be clinically assessed with standard ultrasound. In this study we sought to evaluate the association of ambulatory ultrasound measured EAT thickness with CAD in asymptomatic well controlled T2DM subjects on metformin monotherapy during outpatient visits.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This was single center, pragmatic study in 142 T2DM patients. Each subject underwent baseline ultrasound EAT thickness measurement, anthropometric and biomarkers. The incidence of CAD was detected after 1 year. At baseline, HbA1c was 6.7 % and BMI 34.9 kg/m2, EAT thickness was 8.3 ± 2.3 in women and 9.4 ± 2.4 mm in men, higher than threshold values for high cardiovascular risk. In multivariate models, EAT was the only statistically significant correlate of CAD at 1-year f/u (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Point of care ultrasound measured EAT thickness is a good correlate of CAD in well controlled and asymptomatic T2DM subjects on metformin monotherapy. EAT thickness predicted CAD better than traditional risk factors, such as BMI, HbA1c, age, blood pressure or duration of diabetes.

Gut microbiota in overweight and obesity: crosstalk with adipose tissue

Overweight and obesity are characterized by excessive fat mass accumulation produced when energy intake exceeds energy expenditure. One plausible way to control energy expenditure is to modulate thermogenic pathways in white adipose tissue (WAT) and/or brown adipose tissue (BAT). Among the different environmental factors capable of influencing host metabolism and energy balance, the gut microbiota is now considered a key player. Following pioneering studies showing that mice lacking gut microbes (that is, germ-free mice) or depleted of their gut microbiota (that is, using antibiotics) developed less adipose tissue, numerous studies have investigated the complex interactions existing between gut bacteria, some of their membrane components (that is, lipopolysaccharides), and their metabolites (that is, short-chain fatty acids, endocannabinoids, bile acids, aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands and tryptophan derivatives) as well as their contribution to the browning and/or beiging of WAT and changes in BAT activity. In this Review, we discuss the general physiology of both WAT and BAT. Subsequently, we introduce how gut bacteria and different microbiota-derived metabolites, their receptors and signalling pathways can regulate the development of adipose tissue and its metabolic capacities. Finally, we describe the key challenges in moving from bench to bedside by presenting specific key examples.

Immune response following transcatheter aortic valve procedure

Aortic valve stenosis is the most common type of heart valve disease in the United States and Europe and calcific aortic stenosis (AS) affects 2-7% of people aged 65 years and older. Aortic valve replacement (AVR) is the only effective treatment for individuals with this condition. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) has been widely accepted as a minimally invasive therapeutic approach for addressing symptomatic AS in patients who are considered to have a high risk for traditional surgical intervention. TAVR procedure may have a paradoxical effect on the immune system and inflammatory status. A major portion of these immune responses is regulated by activating or inhibiting inflammatory monocytes and the complement system with subsequent changes in inflammatory cytokines. TAVR has the potential to induce various concurrent exposures, including disruption of the native valve, hemodynamic changes, antigenicity of the bioprosthesis, and vascular damage, which finally lead to the development of inflammation. On the other hand, it is important to acknowledge that TAVR may also have anti-inflammatory effects by helping in the resolution of stenosis.The inflammation and immune response following TAVR are complex processes that significantly impact procedural outcomes and patient well-being. Understanding the underlying mechanisms, identifying biomarkers of inflammation, and exploring therapeutic interventions to modulate these responses are crucial for optimizing TAVR outcomes. Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise immunological dynamics and develop tailored strategies to attenuate inflammation and enhance post-TAVR healing while minimizing complications.

Epipericardial Fat Necrosis and Covid-19

Background

Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is a rare and self-limiting cause of acute chest pain. We describe a case of EFN in a patient with a recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Case Presentation

A 55-year-old male presented with a sudden onset of left-sided pleuritic chest pain for the past two days. The patient was diaphoretic, tachypneic, and tachycardic. Acute coronary syndrome was ruled out. A computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiogram revealed an ovoid encapsulated fatty mass surrounded by dense appearing tissue. Patient symptoms improved remarkably with a short course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Discussion

EFN typically presents with a sudden onset of excruciating chest pain. Misdiagnosis, under-diagnosis, and mismanagement are unavoidable. EFN is incidentally diagnosed on CT scan. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infects visceral adipose tissue and appears to increase the risk of EFN by promoting inflammatory cytokine production and death of adipocytes.

Conclusion

EFN is a rare cause of acute chest pain. SARS-CoV-2 is likely to induce EFN. This rare clinical entity should be considered in the differential of acute chest pain especially in patients with active or recent COVID-19.

LEARNING POINTS

Epipericardial fat necrosis (EFN) is a rare cause of acute pleuritic chest pain that is often misdiagnosed and mismanaged.SARS-CoV-2 can possibly increase the risk of EFN and this entity should be considered in the differential of chest pain, especially in patients with active or recent coronavirus disease (COVID-19).Clinician awareness of EFN and its potential association with COVID-19, can reduce unnecessary testing and emotional distress.

Heart-on-a-chip systems: disease modeling and drug screening applications

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, casting a substantial economic footprint and burdening the global healthcare system. Historically, pre-clinical CVD modeling and therapeutic screening have been performed using animal models. Unfortunately, animal models oftentimes fail to adequately mimic human physiology, leading to a poor translation of therapeutics from pre-clinical trials to consumers. Even those that make it to market can be removed due to unforeseen side effects. As such, there exists a clinical, technological, and economical need for systems that faithfully capture human (patho)physiology for modeling CVD, assessing cardiotoxicity, and evaluating drug efficacy. Heart-on-a-chip (HoC) systems are a part of the broader organ-on-a-chip paradigm that leverages microfluidics, tissue engineering, microfabrication, electronics, and gene editing to create human-relevant models for studying disease, drug-induced side effects, and therapeutic efficacy. These compact systems can be capable of real-time measurements and on-demand characterization of tissue behavior and could revolutionize the drug development process. In this review, we highlight the key components that comprise a HoC system followed by a review of contemporary reports of their use in disease modeling, drug toxicity and efficacy assessment, and as part of multi-organ-on-a-chip platforms. We also discuss future perspectives and challenges facing the field, including a discussion on the role that standardization is expected to play in accelerating the widespread adoption of these platforms.

The relationship between epicardial adipose tissue volume on coronary computed tomography angiography and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia: a propensity score matching case-control study in Chinese population

Background

Large epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume is associated with the incidence of premature ventricular beats. The relationship between EAT volume and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia (IVT) is not yet clear. We aimed to investigate the effect of EAT volume on the risk of IVT.

Methods

This is a retrospective consecutive case-control study from January 2020 to September 2022. IVT patients (n=81) and control patients (n=162) undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) were retrospectively recruited. The patients in the control group were all hospitalized patients for different reasons, such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and so on. Demographic parameters and clinical characteristics of each individual were collected from the patient's medical records. We selected evaluation criteria for the conduct of a 1:1 propensity score (PS)-adjusted analysis. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to investigate risk factors for IVT. Furthermore, the impact of EAT volume on cardiac repolarization indices was assessed in IVT patients.

Results

Patients with IVT had a larger EAT volume than control group patients in the unadjusted cohort. Variables with P<0.10 in the univariable analysis and important factors were included in the multivariable analysis model, including body mass index (BMI), left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), early peak/artial peak (E/A) ratios <1, EAT attenuation, and EAT volume (per increase 10 mL). The multivariable logistic analysis found that EAT volume [per increase 10 mL, odds ratio (OR): 1.29, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17-1.41, P<0.001] was an independent risk factor for IVT. EAT volume (per increase 10 mL, OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.25-1.64, P<0.001) independent effect was demonstrated in the PS adjusted cohort (n=57 in both groups). The area under the curve of EAT volume to predict the risk of IVT patients in the PS adjusted cohort was 0.859. The sensitivity and specificity were 86.0%, and 75.4%, respectively. Furthermore, A large EAT volume of IVT patients had a longer time in Tp-e, and Tp-e/QTc, compared with low EAT volume.

Conclusions

Patients with IVT had increased EAT volume compared to control subjects. Our study revealed that large EAT volume is associated with an extended repolarization process in IVT patients. These insights are essential for understanding the mechanisms linking EAT with IVT.

Adipose Tissue in Cardiovascular Disease: From Basic Science to Clinical Translation

The perception of adipose tissue as a metabolically quiescent tissue, primarily responsible for lipid storage and energy balance (with some endocrine, thermogenic, and insulation functions), has changed. It is now accepted that adipose tissue is a crucial regulator of metabolic health, maintaining bidirectional communication with other organs including the cardiovascular system. Additionally, adipose tissue depots are functionally and morphologically heterogeneous, acting not only as sources of bioactive molecules that regulate the physiological functioning of the vasculature and myocardium but also as biosensors of the paracrine and endocrine signals arising from these tissues. In this way, adipose tissue undergoes phenotypic switching in response to vascular and/or myocardial signals (proinflammatory, profibrotic, prolipolytic), a process that novel imaging technologies are able to visualize and quantify with implications for clinical prognosis. Furthermore, a range of therapeutic modalities have emerged targeting adipose tissue metabolism and altering its secretome, potentially benefiting those at risk of cardiovascular disease.

Impact of Epicardial Adipose Tissue on Infarct Size and Left Ventricular Systolic Function in Patients with Anterior ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

We aimed to assess the correlation of cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) with infarct size (IS) and residual systolic function in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We enrolled patients discharged for a first anterior reperfused STEMI submitted to undergo CMR. EAT, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (LVEF), and IS were quantified at the 1-week (n = 221) and at 6-month CMR (n = 167). At 1-week CMR, mean EAT was 31 ± 13 mL/m2. Patients with high EAT volume (n = 72) showed larger 1-week IS. After adjustment, EAT extent was independently related to 1-week IS. In patients with large IS at 1 week (>30% of LV mass, n = 88), those with high EAT showed more preserved 6-month LVEF. This association persisted after adjustment and in a 1:1 propensity score-matched patient subset. Overall, EAT decreased at 6 months. In patients with large IS, a greater reduction of EAT was associated with more preserved 6-month LVEF. In STEMI, a higher presence of EAT was associated with a larger IS. Nevertheless, in patients with large infarctions, high EAT and greater subsequent EAT reduction were linked to more preserved LVEF in the chronic phase. This dual and paradoxical effect of EAT fuels the need for further research in this field.

Epicardial adipose tissue as an independent predictor of long-term outcome in patients with severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

Accurate risk stratification is important to improve patient selection and outcome of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). As epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is discussed to be involved in cardiovascular disease, it could be useful as a marker of poor prognosis in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR.

METHODS

A total of 416 patients diagnosed with severe AS by transthoracic echocardiography were assigned for TAVR and enrolled for systematic assessment. Patients underwent clinical surveys and 5-year long-term follow-up, with all-cause mortality as the primary endpoint. EAT volume was quantified on pre-TAVR planning CTs. Patients were retrospectively dichotomized at the median of 74 cm3 of EAT into groups with low EAT and high EAT volumes. Mortality rates were compared using Kaplan-Meyer plots and uni- and multivariable cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total number of 341 of 416 patients (median age 80.9 years, 45% female) were included in the final analysis. Patients with high EAT volumes had similar short-term outcome (p = 0.794) but significantly worse long-term prognosis (p = 0.023) compared to patients with low EAT volumes. Increased EAT volumes were associated with worse long-term outcome (HR1.59; p = 0.031) independently from concomitant cardiovascular risk factors, general type of AS, and functional echocardiography parameters of AS severity (HR1.69; p = 0.013).

CONCLUSION

Increased EAT volume is an independent predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with severe AS undergoing TAVR. It can be easily obtained from pre-TAVR planning CTs and may thus qualify as a novel marker to improve prognostication and management of patient with severe AS.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS, DRKS00024479.

AI-derived epicardial fat measurements improve cardiovascular risk prediction from myocardial perfusion imaging

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and attenuation are associated with cardiovascular risk, but manual annotation is time-consuming. We evaluated whether automated deep learning-based EAT measurements from ungated computed tomography (CT) are associated with death or myocardial infarction (MI). We included 8781 patients from 4 sites without known coronary artery disease who underwent hybrid myocardial perfusion imaging. Of those, 500 patients from one site were used for model training and validation, with the remaining patients held out for testing (n = 3511 internal testing, n = 4770 external testing). We modified an existing deep learning model to first identify the cardiac silhouette, then automatically segment EAT based on attenuation thresholds. Deep learning EAT measurements were obtained in <2 s compared to 15 min for expert annotations. There was excellent agreement between EAT attenuation (Spearman correlation 0.90 internal, 0.82 external) and volume (Spearman correlation 0.90 internal, 0.91 external) by deep learning and expert segmentation in all 3 sites (Spearman correlation 0.90-0.98). During median follow-up of 2.7 years (IQR 1.6-4.9), 565 patients experienced death or MI. Elevated EAT volume and attenuation were independently associated with an increased risk of death or MI after adjustment for relevant confounders. Deep learning can automatically measure EAT volume and attenuation from low-dose, ungated CT with excellent correlation with expert annotations, but in a fraction of the time. EAT measurements offer additional prognostic insights within the context of hybrid perfusion imaging.

Epicardial fat and ventricular arrhythmias

The arrhythmogenic role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in atrial arrhythmias is well established, but its effect on ventricular arrhythmias has been significantly less investigated. Since ventricular arrhythmias are thought to cause 75%-80% of cases of sudden cardiac death, this is not a trivial issue. We provide an overview of clinical data as well as experimental and molecular data linking EAT to ventricular arrhythmias, attempting to dissect possible mechanisms and indicate future directions of research and possible clinical implications. However, despite a wealth of data indicating the role of epicardial and intramyocardial fat in the induction and propagation of ventricular arrhythmias, unfortunately there is currently no direct evidence that indeed EAT triggers arrhythmia or can be a target for antiarrhythmic strategies.

Gastric Submucosal Fat Accumulation Is Associated with Insulin Resistance in Patients with Obesity

PURPOSE

Ectopic fat accumulation plays a significant role in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction, and few studies have reported an association between ectopic gastric fat and metabolic risk factors. We aim to fulfill this need by assessing the degree of gastric submucosal fat accumulation in pathologic sections of 190 sleeve gastrectomy specimens.

METHODS

Study patients were divided into two groups (D1 and D2) based on whether fat accumulation exceeded 1/3 of the submucosa of the stomach. Demographic and metabolic risk factors were compared between the two groups. Metabolic risk variables that might be associated with the degree of fat accumulation were screened in the original cohort. After balancing for possible confounders, the robustness of the correlations was assessed using binary and conditional logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

All study patients had fat accumulation in the submucosa of the stomach. C-reactive protein (CRP), body mass index (BMI), visceral fat area (VFA), and insulin resistance (IR) were higher in the D2 group than in the D1 group in the original cohort (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that BMI and IR may be associated with increased fat accumulation. After balancing variables other than obesity indicators and IR using propensity score matching, BMI and IR remained significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). Further analysis of the matched cohort using two logistic regression analyses showed that IR was an independent risk factor for increased fat accumulation.

CONCLUSION

This study indicated that gastric submucosal fat accumulation was prevalent in patients with obesity and was associated with IR.

Effect of dapagliflozin on epicardial fat volume in patients with acute coronary syndrome assessed by computed tomography

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce cardiovascular outcomes; one of the target organs is epicardial adipose tissue, achieving a 10-20% change in patients with diabetes but excluding acute coronary syndrome (ACS), Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the effect of dapagliflozin on epicardial fat in patients with ACS assessed by non-contrast cardiac tomography (CT) and its association with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

METHODS AND RESULTS

This cohort nested case-control study included 52 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and acute myocardial infarction with and without ST-segment elevation. Cases were defined as all patients assigned to dapagliflozin 10 mg, and controls were patients assigned to placebo. Treatment was initiated in-hospital and after percutaneous coronary intervention, and non-contrasted CT was performed at baseline and after 12 months of treatment. In the dapagliflozin group, 4 MACE occurred and 10 in the placebo group (p=0.027), with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.317 (95% CI 0.114-0.882) for the dapagliflozin. Basal epicardial fat volume (EFV) was 117.20 ± 42.65 cm3 in the dapagliflozin group and 123.84 ± 46.9 cm3 in the placebo group, p= 0.596, with an OR of 1.016 (95% CI 0.999-1.033) for MACE. Final EFV was 128.30 ± 37.53 cm3 in the dapagliflozin group and 137.05 ± 50.59 cm3 in the placebo group, p= 0.520.

CONCLUSIONS

Epicardial fat is a risk factor for MACE and increased after 12 months of follow-up in patients with ACS and there was no effect on volume change with the use of dapagliflozin. (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05998525).

Enhanced Levels of Adiposity, Stretch and Fibrosis Markers in Patients with Coexistent Heart Failure and Atrial Fibrillation

The coexistence of heart failure (HF) and atrial fibrillation (AF) worsens the prognosis of patients. We aimed to study the inflammation, metabolism, adiposity, and fibrosis markers on epicardial and subcutaneous fat and blood, and their relationship with HF and AF. Samples from 185 patients undergoing cardiac surgery were collected. Levels of multi-markers on fat biopsies and plasma were analyzed. Patients were grouped by HF or AF presence. Plasma adiposity markers were increased in AF patients, while increased stretch markers correlated with HF. Patients with both AF and HF had higher ANP and GDF-15 levels. After excluding AF patients, plasma FABP4 was identified as the main HF predictor. Fat biopsies from AF patients showed an enhanced inflammatory profile. Higher levels of adiposity markers are associated with AF or HF, and higher stretch and fibrosis markers with combined AF and HF, suggesting a role of adiposity-fibrosis pathway in HF and AF coexistence.

Assessment of Epicardial Fat in Children: Its Role as a Cardiovascular Risk Factor and How It Is Influenced by Lifestyle Habits

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) stands out as a distinctive repository of visceral fat, positioned in close anatomical and functional proximity to the heart. EAT has emerged as a distinctive reservoir of visceral fat, intricately interlinked with cardiovascular health, particularly within the domain of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The aim of our overview is to highlight the role of EAT as a marker for cardiovascular risk in children. We also explore the influence of unhealthy lifestyle habits as predisposing factors for the deposition of EAT. The literature data accentuate the consequential impact of lifestyle choices on EAT dynamics, with sedentary behavior and unwholesome dietary practices being contributory to a heightened cardiovascular risk. Lifestyle interventions with a multidisciplinary approach are therefore pivotal, involving a nutritionally balanced diet rich in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, regular engagement in aerobic exercise, and psychosocial support to effectively mitigate cardiovascular risks in children. Specific interventions, such as high-intensity intermittent training and circuit training, reveal favorable outcomes in diminishing the EAT volume and enhancing cardiometabolic health. Future clinical studies focusing on EAT in children are crucial for advancing our understanding and developing targeted strategies for cardiovascular risk management in this population.

CT Images in Follicular Lymphoma: Changes after Treatment Are Predictive of Cardiac Toxicity in Patients Treated with Anthracycline-Based or R-B Regimens

The aim of this study is to evaluate changes in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and cardiac extracellular volume (ECV) in patients with follicular lymphoma (FL) treated with R-CHOP-like regimens or R-bendamustine. We included 80 patients with FL between the ages of 60 and 80 and, using computed tomography (CT) performed at onset and at the end of treatment, we assessed changes in EAT by measuring tissue density at the level of the cardiac apex, anterior interventricular sulcus and posterior interventricular sulcus of the heart. EAT is known to be associated with metabolic syndrome, increased calcium in the coronary arteries and therefore increased risk of coronary artery disease. We also evaluated changes in ECV, which can be used as an early imaging marker of cardiac fibrosis and thus myocardial damage. The R-CHOP-like regimen was associated with lower EAT values (p < 0.001), indicative of a less active metabolism and more adipose tissue, and an increase in ECV (p < 0.001). Furthermore, in patients treated with anthracyclines and steroids (R-CHOP-like) there is a greater decrease in ejection fraction (EF p < 0.001) than in the R-B group. EAT and ECV may represent early biomarkers of cardiological damage, and this may be considered, to our knowledge, the first study investigating radiological and cardiological parameters in patients with FL.

AI prediction of cardiovascular events using opportunistic epicardial adipose tissue assessments from CT calcium score

Background

Recent studies have used basic epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) assessments (e.g., volume and mean HU) to predict risk of atherosclerosis-related, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE).

Objectives

Create novel, hand-crafted EAT features, "fat-omics", to capture the pathophysiology of EAT and improve MACE prediction.

Methods

We segmented EAT using a previously-validated deep learning method with optional manual correction. We extracted 148 radiomic features (morphological, spatial, and intensity) and used Cox elastic-net for feature reduction and prediction of MACE.

Results

Traditional fat features gave marginal prediction (EAT-volume/EAT-mean-HU/BMI gave C-index 0.53/0.55/0.57, respectively). Significant improvement was obtained with 15 fat-omics features (C-index=0.69, test set). High-risk features included volume-of-voxels-having-elevated-HU-[-50, -30-HU] and HU-negative-skewness, both of which assess high HU, which as been implicated in fat inflammation. Other high-risk features include kurtosis-of-EAT-thickness, reflecting the heterogeneity of thicknesses, and EAT-volume-in-the-top-25%-of-the-heart, emphasizing adipose near the proximal coronary arteries. Kaplan-Meyer plots of Cox-identified, high- and low-risk patients were well separated with the median of the fat-omics risk, while high-risk group having HR 2.4 times that of the low-risk group (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Preliminary findings indicate an opportunity to use more finely tuned, explainable assessments on EAT for improved cardiovascular risk prediction.

New Therapeutic Approaches for the Treatment of Patients with Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) and Increased Cardiovascular Risk

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was previously known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The main characteristic of the disease is the process of long-term liver inflammation, which leads to hepatocyte damage followed by liver fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Additionally, these patients are at a greater risk for developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD). They have several pathophysiological mechanisms in common, primarily lipid metabolism disorders and lipotoxicity. Lipotoxicity is a factor that leads to the occurrence of heart disease and the occurrence and progression of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, as a multifactorial disease, is one of the predominant risk factors for the development of ischemic heart disease. Therefore, CVD are one of the most significant carriers of mortality in patients with metabolic syndrome. So far, no pharmacotherapy has been established for the treatment of MASLD, but patients are advised to reduce their body weight and change their lifestyle. In recent years, several trials of different drugs, whose basic therapeutic indications include other diseases, have been conducted. Because it has been concluded that they can have beneficial effects in the treatment of these conditions as well, in this paper, the most significant results of these studies will be presented.

Assessing the Relationship between Indexed Epicardial Adipose Tissue Thickness, Oxidative Stress in Adipocytes, and Coronary Artery Disease Complexity in Open-Heart Surgery Patients

Background and Objectives: This cross-sectional study conducted at the Timișoara Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Romania, and the Centre for Translational Research and Systems Medicine from "Victor Babeș" University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Timișoara, Romania, investigated the relationship between indexed epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATTi) and oxidative stress in epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) adipocytes in the context of coronary artery disease (CAD) among open-heart surgery patients. The objective was to elucidate the contribution of EATTi as an additional marker for complexity prediction in patients with CAD, potentially influencing clinical decision-making in surgical settings. Materials and Methods: The study included 25 patients undergoing cardiac surgery, with a mean age of 65.16 years and a body mass index of 27.61 kg/m2. Oxidative stress in EAT was assessed using the ferrous iron xylenol orange oxidation spectrophotometric assay. The patients were divided into three groups: those with valvular heart disease without CAD, patients with CAD without diabetes mellitus (DM), and patients with both CAD and DM. The CAD complexity was evaluated using the SYNTAX score. Results: The EATTi showed statistically significant elevations in the patients with both CAD and DM (mean 5.27 ± 0.67 mm/m2) compared to the CAD without DM group (mean 3.78 ± 1.05 mm/m2, p = 0.024) and the valvular disease without CAD group (mean 2.67 ± 0.83 mm/m2, p = 0.001). Patients with SYNTAX scores over 32 had significantly higher EATTi (5.27 ± 0.66 mm/m2) compared to those with lower scores. An EATTi greater than 4.15 mm/m2 predicted more complex CAD (SYNTAX score >22) with 80% sensitivity and 86% specificity. The intra- and interobserver reproducibility for the EATTi measurement were excellent (intra-class correlation coefficient 0.911, inter-class correlation coefficient 0.895). Conclusions: EATTi is significantly associated with CAD complexity in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. It serves as a reliable indicator of more intricate CAD forms, as reflected by higher SYNTAX scores. These findings highlight the clinical relevance of EATTi in pre-operative assessment, suggesting its potential utility as a prognostic marker in cardiac surgical patients.

Impact of Obesity on Atrial Fibrillation Pathogenesis and Treatment Options

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common cardiac arrhythmia. AF increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, dementia, and hospitalization. Obesity significantly increases AF risk, both directly and indirectly, through related conditions, like hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure. Obesity-driven structural and electrical remodeling contribute to AF via several reported mechanisms, including adiposity, inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, ion channel alterations, and autonomic dysfunction. In particular, expanding epicardial adipose tissue during obesity has been suggested as a key driver of AF via paracrine signaling and direct infiltration. Weight loss has been shown to reverse these changes and reduce AF risk and recurrence after ablation. However, studies on how obesity affects pharmacologic or interventional AF treatments are limited. In this review, we discuss mechanisms by which obesity mediates AF and treatment outcomes, aiming to provide insight into obesity-drug interactions and guide personalized treatment for this patient subgroup.

Body Fat Depletion: the Yin Paradigm for Treating Type 2 Diabetes

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight that body fat depletion (the Yin paradigm) with glucose-lowering treatments (the Yang paradigm) are associated with metabolic benefits for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RECENT FINDINGS

The sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-mediated sodium/glucose deprivation can directly improve glycemic control and kidney outcome in patients with T2DM. The glucose deprivation might also promote systemic fatty acid β-oxidation to deplete ectopic/visceral fat and thereby contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. As with metabolic surgery, bioengineered incretin-based medications with potent anorexigenic and insulinotropic efficacy can significantly reduce blood glucose as well as body weight (especially in the ectopic/visceral fat depots). The latter effects could be a key contributor to their cardiovascular-renal protective effects. In addition to a healthy diet, the newer glucose-lowering medications, with body fat reduction effects, should be prioritized when treating patients with T2DM, especially for those with established cardiovascular/renal risks or diseases.

Dapagliflozin treatment is associated with a reduction of epicardial adipose tissue thickness and epicardial glucose uptake in human type 2 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We recently demonstrated that treatment with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) leads to an increase in myocardial flow reserve in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) with stable coronary artery disease (CAD). The mechanism by which this occurs is, however, unclear. One of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease is inflammation of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT). Since the latter is often increased in type 2 diabetes patients, it could play a role in coronary microvascular dysfunction. It is also well known that SGLT-2i modify adipose tissue metabolism. We aimed to investigate the effects of the SGLT-2i dapagliflozin on metabolism and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness in T2D patients with stable coronary artery disease and to verify whether these changes could explain observed changes in myocardial flow.

METHODS

We performed a single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial with 14 T2D patients randomized 1:1 to SGLT-2i dapagliflozin (10 mg daily) or placebo. The thickness of visceral (epicardial, mediastinal, perirenal) and subcutaneous adipose tissue and glucose uptake were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks after treatment initiation by 2-deoxy-2-[18F]fluoro-D-glucose Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography during hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp.

RESULTS

The two groups were well-matched for baseline characteristics (age, diabetes duration, HbA1c, BMI, renal and heart function). Dapagliflozin treatment significantly reduced EAT thickness by 19% (p = 0.03). There was a significant 21.6% reduction in EAT glucose uptake during euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp in the dapagliflozin group compared with the placebo group (p = 0.014). There were no significant effects on adipose tissue thickness/metabolism in the other depots explored.

CONCLUSIONS

SGLT-2 inhibition selectively reduces EAT thickness and EAT glucose uptake in T2D patients, suggesting a reduction of EAT inflammation. This could explain the observed increase in myocardial flow reserve, providing new insights into SGLT-2i cardiovascular benefits.

Semaglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Obesity without Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has been shown to reduce the risk of adverse cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes. Whether semaglutide can reduce cardiovascular risk associated with overweight and obesity in the absence of diabetes is unknown.

METHODS

In a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, event-driven superiority trial, we enrolled patients 45 years of age or older who had preexisting cardiovascular disease and a body-mass index (the weight in kilograms divided by the square of the height in meters) of 27 or greater but no history of diabetes. Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide at a dose of 2.4 mg or placebo. The primary cardiovascular end point was a composite of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke in a time-to-first-event analysis. Safety was also assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 17,604 patients were enrolled; 8803 were assigned to receive semaglutide and 8801 to receive placebo. The mean (±SD) duration of exposure to semaglutide or placebo was 34.2±13.7 months, and the mean duration of follow-up was 39.8±9.4 months. A primary cardiovascular end-point event occurred in 569 of the 8803 patients (6.5%) in the semaglutide group and in 701 of the 8801 patients (8.0%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.80; 95% confidence interval, 0.72 to 0.90; P<0.001). Adverse events leading to permanent discontinuation of the trial product occurred in 1461 patients (16.6%) in the semaglutide group and 718 patients (8.2%) in the placebo group (P<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity but without diabetes, weekly subcutaneous semaglutide at a dose of 2.4 mg was superior to placebo in reducing the incidence of death from cardiovascular causes, nonfatal myocardial infarction, or nonfatal stroke at a mean follow-up of 39.8 months. (Funded by Novo Nordisk; SELECT ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03574597.).

Assessing left atrial intramyocardial fat infiltration from computerized tomography angiography in patients with atrial fibrillation

AIMS

Epicardial adipose tissue might promote atrial fibrillation (AF) in several ways, including infiltrating the underlying atrial myocardium. However, the role of this potential mechanism has been poorly investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate the presence of left atrial (LA) infiltrated adipose tissue (inFAT) by analysing multi-detector computer tomography (MDCT)-derived three-dimensional (3D) fat infiltration maps and to compare the extent of LA inFAT between patients without AF history, with paroxysmal, and with persistent AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Sixty consecutive patients with AF diagnosis (30 persistent and 30 paroxysmal) were enrolled and compared with 20 age-matched control; MDCT-derived images were post-processed to obtain 3D LA inFAT maps for all patients. Volume (mL) and mean signal intensities [(Hounsfield Units (HU)] of inFAT (HU -194; -5), dense inFAT (HU -194; -50), and fat-myocardial admixture (HU -50; -5) were automatically computed by the software. inFAT volume was significantly different across the three groups (P = 0.009), with post-hoc pairwise comparisons showing a significant increase in inFAT volume in persistent AF compared to controls (P = 0.006). Dense inFAT retained a significant difference also after correcting for body mass index (P = 0.028). In addition, more negative inFAT radiodensity values were found in AF patients. Regional distribution analysis showed a significantly higher regional distribution of LA inFAT at left and right superior pulmonary vein antra in AF patients.

CONCLUSION

Persistent forms of AF are associated with greater degree of LA intramyocardial adipose infiltration, independently of body mass index. Compared to controls, AF patients present higher LA inFAT volume at left and right superior pulmonary vein antra.

Diverging role of epicardial adipose tissue across the entire heart failure spectrum

AIMS

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a metabolically highly active tissue modulating numerous pathophysiological processes. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between EAT thickness and endothelial function in patients with heart failure (HF) across the entire ejection fraction spectrum.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 258 patients with HF with an ejection fraction across the entire spectrum [HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), n = 168, age 60.6 ± 11.2 years; HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), n = 50, mean age 65.1 ± 11.9 years; HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF), n = 32, mean age 65 ± 12] were included. EAT was measured with transthoracic echocardiography. Vascular function was assessed with flicker-light-induced vasodilation of retinal arterioles (FIDart%) and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD%) in conduit arteries. Patients with HFrEF have less EAT compared with patients with HFpEF (4.2 ± 2 vs. 5.3 ± 2 mm, respectively, P < 0.001). Interestingly, EAT was significantly associated with impaired microvascular function (FIDart%; r = -0.213, P = 0.012) and FMD% (r = -0.186, P = 0.022), even after multivariate correction for confounding factors (age, body mass index, hypertension, and diabetes; standardized regression coefficient (SRC) = -0.184, P = 0.049 for FIDart% and SRC = -0.178, P = 0.043 for FMD%) in HFrEF but not in HFpEF.

CONCLUSIONS

Although less EAT is present in HFrEF than in HFpEF, only in HFrEF EAT is associated with vascular dysfunction. The diverging role of EAT in HF and its switch to a functionally deleterious tissue promoting HF progression provide the rationale to specifically target EAT, in particular in patients with reduced ejection fraction.

Epicardial adipose tissue volume, plaque vulnerability and myocardial ischemia in non-obstructive coronary artery disease

Background

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) accumulation has been associated with inflammation, atherosclerosis and microvascular dysfunction. Whether increased EAT volume is associated with coronary plaque vulnerability and demand myocardial ischemia in patients with non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) is less explored.

Methods

In 125 patients (median age 63[58, 69] years and 58% women) with chest pain and non-obstructive CAD, EAT volume was quantified on non-contrast cardiac CT images. EAT volume in the highest tertile (>125 ml) was defined as high EAT volume. Total coronary plaque volume and plaque vulnerability were quantified by coronary CT angiography (CCTA). Demand myocardial ischemia was detected by contrast dobutamine stress echocardiography.

Results

High EAT volume was more common in men and associated with higher BMI, hypertension, increased left ventricular mass index (LVMi), C-reactive protein (CRP) and positive remodelling (all p < 0.05). There was no difference in age, coronary calcium score, total and non-calcified plaque volume or presence of demand myocardial ischemia between groups (all p ≥ 0.34). In a multivariable model, obesity (p = 0.006), hypertension (p = 0.007) and LVMi (p = 0.016) were independently associated with high EAT volume. Including plaque vulnerability in an alternative model, positive remodelling (p = 0.038) was independently associated with high EAT volume.

Conclusion

In non-obstructive CAD, high EAT volume was associated with cardiometabolic risk factors, inflammation and plaque vulnerability, while there was no association with demand myocardial ischemia or coronary plaque volume. Following our results, the role of EAT volume as a biomarker in non-obstructive CAD remains unclear.

Adipokines are possible risk markers for aortic stenosis requiring surgery

OBJECTIVES

Aortic stenosis (AS) is the most prevalent valvular heart disease among adults. The adipocyte-derived hormones, leptin and adiponectin, have profound metabolic actions. We examined whether these adipokines are independently associated with future aortic valve replacement (AVR).

DESIGN

In this longitudinal case-control study, we identified 336 cases who had undergone AVR due to AS, and who had previously participated in population-based health surveys. Two referents were matched to each case and leptin and adiponectin concentrations were analysed from stored baseline survey samples. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the risk of future AVR. An additional cohort was identified for validation including 106 cases with AVR and 212 matched referents.

RESULTS

Median age (interquartile range (IQR)) in years at survey was 59.9 (10.4) and at surgery 68.3 (12.7), and 48% were women. An elevated concentration of leptin was not associated with future AVR (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]) (1.10 [0.92-1.32]), although leptin was associated with a higher risk in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) having more than 5 years between survey and AVR (1.41 [1.08-1.84]). Adiponectin was not associated with higher risk for future AVR (0.95 [0.82-1.11]), although after stratification for age, higher levels were associated with reduced risk for AVR in persons aged ≥60 years at surgery (0.79 [0.64-0.98]). In the validation study, leptin was associated with future AVR whereas adiponectin was not. None of the associations remained significant after adjustment for body mass index (BMI).

CONCLUSIONS

The adipokine leptin may promote the development of AS.

Reduced myocardial work in asymptomatic heavy alcohol use and its correlation with epicardial adipose tissue volume and serum biomarkers

BACKGROUND

It is unclear whether long-term heavy alcohol use leads to early cardiac function decline.

HYPOTHESIS

Long-term heavy alcohol use developed reduced cardiac function in subclinical status by analyzing myocardial work (MW). Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) volume and serum biomarkers contribute to identify potential factors sensitive in predicting early cardiac function decline.

METHODS

We enrolled 31 asymptomatic participants with heavy alcohol use and 33 age and sex-matching nondrinking individuals. Participants underwent echocardiography, MW analysis, EAT volume measurement, serum biochemical examinations, and body composition assessment. We used multivariate linear regression to identify correlation between MW and total cholesterol (TC), EAT volume, and placental growth factor (PlGF). To determine global work efficiency (GWE) below the normal reference value of 96%, we developed receiver operating curves with area under curve (AUC) to compare different combinations of TC, EAT volume, and PlGF.

RESULTS

All 64 participants were male. GWE was reduced in the alcohol use group compared with the control group (96, interquartile range [IQR] = [95-97.75] vs. 97, IQR = [97-98], p = .004). TC was positively associated with GWE (β = .434, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.228 to 1.328, p = .008), whereas EAT volume (β = -.398, 95% CI = -0.000446 to -0.000093, p = .005) and PlGF (β = -.493, 95% CI = -1.010 to -0.230, p = .004) were inversely associated with GWE. The most significant AUC for reduced GWE was TC + EAT volume (0.851, 95% CI = 0.671 to 1, p = .006).

CONCLUSION

Asymptomatic heavy alcohol use has shown early reduced cardiac function which can be associated with altered fat metabolism, suggesting individuals with alcohol use and abnormal fat metabolism need to be alert to heart damage.

Association Between Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Left Atrial and Ventricular Function in Patients With Heart Failure: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Existing evidence suggested that the role of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF/HFpEF) might be divergent. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between EAT and HF. Several databases were searched from their inception to January 20, 2023. We calculated the standard mean difference (SMD) in EAT between the HF and control groups, as well as the correlation coefficient between EAT and left atrial (LA) and left ventricular (LV) function. This meta-analysis included 23 studies, involving 1563 HFrEF and 1351 HFpEF patients. Our findings indicated that EAT was significantly higher in HFpEF patients (SMD: 0.61, 95% CI: 0.27-0.94), but not in total HF or HFrEF patients compared to controls. In HFrEF, EAT was positively correlated with LVEF, LV end-diastolic volume index (LVEDVI), LA global longitudinal strain (LAGLS), and negatively correlated with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-ProBNP). However, no significant relationship existed between EAT and LV mass index (LVMI) or LVGLS. For HFpEF, EAT correlated positively with LVMI, LVEDVI, LV end-systolic volume index (LVESVI), LA volume index (LAVI), cardiac troponin T, and extracellular volume (ECV), but negatively with LVGLS and LAGLS. EAT was shown to be higher in HFpEF, but not in HFrEF. Less EAT was linked with worse LA function but not worse LV function in HFrEF, while more EAT was associated with worse LA/LV function in HFpEF.

Atrial fibrillation: mechanism and clinical management

ABSTRACT

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common sustained arrhythmia, is associated with a range of symptoms, including palpitations, cognitive impairment, systemic embolism, and increased mortality. It places a significant burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Despite decades of research, the precise mechanisms underlying AF remain elusive. Current understanding suggests that factors like stretch-induced fibrosis, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), chronic inflammation, autonomic nervous system (ANS) imbalances, and genetic mutations all play significant roles in its development. In recent years, the advent of wearable devices has revolutionized AF diagnosis, enabling timely detection and monitoring. However, balancing early diagnosis with efficient resource utilization presents new challenges for healthcare providers. AF management primarily focuses on stroke prevention and symptom alleviation. Patients at high risk of thromboembolism require anticoagulation therapy, and emerging pipeline drugs, particularly factor XI inhibitors, hold promise for achieving effective anticoagulation with reduced bleeding risks. The scope of indications for catheter ablation in AF has expanded significantly. Pulsed field ablation, as a novel energy source, shows potential for improving success rates while ensuring safety. This review integrates existing knowledge and ongoing research on AF pathophysiology and clinical management, with emphasis on diagnostic devices, next-generation anticoagulants, drugs targeting underlying mechanisms, and interventional therapies. It offers a comprehensive mosaic of AF, providing insights into its complexities.