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Xu M, Lu ZY. Early diagnostic value of carotid artery ultrasound parameters combined with epicardial adipose layer thickness in coronary heart disease. World J Clin Cases 2024; 12:3004-3011. [PMID: 38898833 PMCID: PMC11185360 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i17.3004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronary heart disease is associated with coronary atherosclerosis indicated by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) thickening and altered vascular elasticity. The epicardial adipose layer can secrete proinflammatory factors that promote the formation of coronary atherosclerosis. Thus, the epicardial fat layer thickness (EAT) may also predict coronary heart disease. AIM To determine the role of common carotid artery ultrasound parameters and EAT in the early diagnosis of coronary artery disease. METHODS Based on coronary angiography, patients with newly suspected coronary heart disease were divided into case (n = 107) and control (n = 41) groups. The carotid ultrasound parameters, including vascular stiffness (β), elastic coefficient (EP), pulse wave conduction velocity (PWV-β), CIMT, and EAT were compared between the case and control groups and among patients with different lesion numbers in the case group. Pearson correlation was used to evaluate the early diagnostic value of EAT, common carotid artery elasticity, and CIMT for coronary heart disease. RESULTS EP, β, PWV-β, CIMT, and EAT were significantly higher in the case group compared with the levels in the control group (all P < 0.001). In the case group, lesions were detected in one vessel in 34 patients, two vessels in 38 patients, and three vessels in 35 patients. Within the case group, β, EP, PWV-β, CIMT, and EAT levels significantly increased with an increased number of lesions (all P < 0.001). EAT positively correlated with β, EP, PWV-β, and CIMT (all P < 0.01). The area under the curve for diagnosing coronary heart disease using EAT combined with CIMT and carotid elasticity was 0.893, and the sensitivity and specificity were 0.890 and 0.837. CONCLUSION EAT correlated well with changes in carotid artery elasticity and CIMT in patients with coronary heart disease. The combination of EAT, carotid artery elasticity, and CIMT facilitates the early diagnosis of coronary heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- Department of Ultrasound, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou 215200, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhao-Yang Lu
- Department of Ultrasound, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou 215200, Jiangsu Province, China
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2
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Song Y, Tan Y, Deng M, Shan W, Zheng W, Zhang B, Cui J, Feng L, Shi L, Zhang M, Liu Y, Sun Y, Yi W. Epicardial adipose tissue, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular diseases: recent advances classified by research methodologies. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e413. [PMID: 37881786 PMCID: PMC10594046 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is located between the myocardium and visceral pericardium. The unique anatomy and physiology of the EAT determines its great potential in locally influencing adjacent tissues such as the myocardium and coronary arteries. Classified by research methodologies, this study reviews the latest research progress on the role of EAT in cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), particularly in patients with metabolic disorders. Studies based on imaging techniques demonstrated that increased EAT amount in patients with metabolic disorders is associated with higher risk of CVDs and increased mortality. Then, in-depth profiling studies indicate that remodeled EAT may serve as a local mediator of the deleterious effects of cardiometabolic conditions and plays a crucial role in CVDs. Further, in vitro coculture studies provided preliminary evidence that the paracrine effect of remodeled EAT on adjacent cardiomyocytes can promote the occurrence and progression of CVDs. Considering the important role of EAT in CVDs, targeting EAT might be a potential strategy to reduce cardiovascular risks. Several interventions have been proved effective in reducing EAT amount. Our review provides valuable insights of the relationship between EAT, metabolic disorders, and CVDs, as well as an overview of the methodological constructs of EAT-related studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Song
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yanzhen Tan
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Meng Deng
- Department of General MedicineXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Wenju Shan
- Department of General MedicineXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Wenying Zheng
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Bing Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Jun Cui
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Lele Feng
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yingying Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of General MedicineXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
| | - Wei Yi
- Department of Cardiovascular SurgeryXijing HospitalThe Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anChina
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Chen H, Liu L, Li M, Zhu D, Tian G. Epicardial Adipose Tissue-Derived Leptin Promotes Myocardial Injury in Metabolic Syndrome Rats Through PKC/NADPH Oxidase/ROS Pathway. J Am Heart Assoc 2023; 12:e029415. [PMID: 37489731 PMCID: PMC10492984 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.123.029415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Background The epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is abnormally accumulated with dysfunctional secretion of adipokines, closely relating to cardiac dysfunction. The current study was designed to identify the effects of EAT-derived leptin on the myocardium of MetS rats and explore the potential molecular mechanisms. Methods and Results A MetS rat model was established in 8-week-old Wistar rats by a 12-week high-fat diet. MetS rats exhibited increased leptin secretion from EAT, cardiac hypertrophy, and diastolic dysfunction with preserved systolic function. The myocardium of MetS rats had abnormal structure, increased oxidative stress injury, and higher inflammatory factor levels, especially the subepicardial myocardium, which was correlated with the EAT-derived leptin level but not the serum leptin. The EAT was separated from each group of rats to prepare EAT-conditioned medium. H9C2 rat cardiomyoblasts were treated with EAT-conditioned medium or leptin, plus various inhibitors. EAT-derived leptin from MetS rats promoted mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction, induced mitochondrial pathway apoptosis, and inhibited cell viability in H9C2 cardiomyoblasts via the protein kinase C/reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase/reactive oxygen species (PKC/NADPH oxidase/ROS) pathway. EAT-derived leptin from MetS rats stimulated inflammation in H9C2 cardiomyocytes by promoting activator protein 1 nuclear translocation via the PKC/NADPH oxidase/ROS pathway. Leptin promoted the interaction between p-p47phox and gp91phox in H9C2 cardiomyocytes via protein kinase C, activating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, increasing reactive oxygen species generation, and inhibiting cell viability. Conclusions EAT-derived leptin induces MetS-related myocardial injury through the following 2 cooperative ways via PKC/NADPH oxidase/ROS pathway: (1) inducing mitochondrial pathway apoptosis by promoting mitochondrial oxidative stress and dysfunction; and (2) stimulating inflammation by promoting activator protein 1 nuclear translocation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai HospitalCentral China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouHenanChina
| | - Lei Liu
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiao Tong UniversityXi’anShaanxiChina
| | - Min Li
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiao Tong UniversityXi’anShaanxiChina
| | - Danjun Zhu
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiao Tong UniversityXi’anShaanxiChina
| | - Gang Tian
- Department of CardiologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiao Tong UniversityXi’anShaanxiChina
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Nesti L, Pugliese NR, Chiriacò M, Trico D, Baldi S, Natali A. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness is associated with reduced peak oxygen consumption and systolic reserve in patients with type 2 diabetes and normal heart function. Diabetes Obes Metab 2023; 25:177-188. [PMID: 36066008 PMCID: PMC10087544 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the impact of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness on cardiopulmonary performance in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and normal heart function. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analysed EAT thickness in subjects with T2D and normal biventricular systo-diastolic functions undergoing a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test combined with stress echocardiography, speckle tracking and pulmonary function assessment, as well as serum N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). RESULTS In the 72 subjects enrolled, those with EAT thickness above the median (> 5 mm) showed higher body fat mass, smaller indexed left ventricular dimensions and marginally reduced diastolic function variables at rest. Higher EAT thickness was associated with lower peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak 17.1 ± 3.6 vs. 21.0 ± 5.7 ml/min/kg, P = .001), reduced systolic reserve (ΔS' 4.6 ± 1.6 vs. 5.8 ± 2.5 m/s, P = .02) and higher natriuretic peptides (NT-proBNP 64 [29-165] vs. 31 [26-139] pg/ml, P = .04), as well as chronotropic insufficiency and impaired heart rate recovery. Ventilatory variables and peripheral oxygen extraction were not different between groups. EAT was independently associated with VO2peak and linearly and negatively correlated with peak heart rate, heart rate recovery, workload, VO2 at the anaerobic threshold and at peak, and cardiac power output, and was directly correlated with natriuretic peptides. CONCLUSION Higher EAT thickness in T2D is associated with worse cardiopulmonary performance and multiple traits of subclinical cardiac systolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Nesti
- Metabolism, Nutrition, and Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Cardiopulmonary Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Nicola Riccardo Pugliese
- Cardiopulmonary Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Martina Chiriacò
- Metabolism, Nutrition, and Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Cardiopulmonary Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Domenico Trico
- Metabolism, Nutrition, and Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simona Baldi
- Metabolism, Nutrition, and Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Natali
- Metabolism, Nutrition, and Atherosclerosis Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Cardiopulmonary Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Walpot J, Van Herck P, Van de Heyning CM, Bosmans J, Massalha S, Malbrain ML, Heidbuchel H, Inácio JR. Computed tomography measured epicardial adipose tissue and psoas muscle attenuation: new biomarkers to predict major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and mortality in patients with heart disease and critically ill patients. Part I: Epicardial adipose tissue. Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther 2023; 55:141-157. [PMID: 37728441 PMCID: PMC10496106 DOI: 10.5114/ait.2023.130922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, the potential role of epicardial adipocyte tissue (EAT) as a marker for major adverse cardiovascular events has been extensively studied. Unlike other visceral adipocyte tissues (VAT), EAT is not separated from the adjacent myocardium by a fascial layer and shares the same microcirculation with the myocardium. Adipocytokines, secreted by EAT, interact directly with the myocardium through paracrine and vasocrine pathways. The role of the Randle cycle, linking VAT accumulation to insulin resistance, and the relevance of blood flow and mitochondrial function of VAT, are briefly discussed. The three available imaging modalities for the assessment of EAT are discussed. The advantages of echocardiography, cardiac CT, and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) are compared. The last section summarises the current stage of knowledge on EAT as a clinical marker for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The association between EAT volume and coronary artery disease (CAD) has robustly been validated. There is growing evidence that EAT volume is associated with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) assessed high-risk plaque features. The EAT CT attenuation coefficient predicts coronary events. Many studies have established EAT volume as a predictor of atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery. Moreover, EAT thickness has been independently associated with severe aortic stenosis and mitral annular calcification. Studies have demonstrated that EAT volume is associated with heart failure. Finally, we discuss the potential role of EAT in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit. In conclusion, EAT seems to be a promising new biomarker to predict MACE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul Van Herck
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Caroline M. Van de Heyning
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Johan Bosmans
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Manu L.N.G. Malbrain
- International Fluid Academy, Lovenjoel, Belgium
- First Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Hein Heidbuchel
- Department of Cardiology, University Hospital Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - João R. Inácio
- Centro Universitario Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa, UL, Portugal
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van Woerden G, van Veldhuisen DJ, Westenbrink BD, de Boer RA, Rienstra M, Gorter TM. Connecting epicardial adipose tissue and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: mechanisms, management and modern perspectives. Eur J Heart Fail 2022; 24:2238-2250. [PMID: 36394512 PMCID: PMC10100217 DOI: 10.1002/ejhf.2741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is very common in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and it has been suggested that obesity plays an important role in the pathophysiology of this disease. While body mass index defines the presence of obesity, this measure provides limited information on visceral adiposity, which is probably more relevant in the pathophysiology of HFpEF. Epicardial adipose tissue is the visceral fat situated directly adjacent to the heart and recent data demonstrate that accumulation of epicardial adipose tissue is associated with the onset, symptomatology and outcome of HFpEF. However, the mechanisms by which epicardial adipose tissue may be involved in HFpEF remain unclear. It is also questioned whether epicardial adipose tissue may be a specific target for therapy for this disease. In the present review, we describe the physiology of epicardial adipose tissue and the pathophysiological transformation of epicardial adipose tissue in response to chronic inflammatory diseases, and we postulate conceptual mechanisms on how epicardial adipose tissue may be involved in HFpEF pathophysiology. Lastly, we outline potential treatment strategies, knowledge gaps and directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gijs van Woerden
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk J van Veldhuisen
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - B Daan Westenbrink
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf A de Boer
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Michiel Rienstra
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas M Gorter
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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7
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Yao PA, Wei KZ, Feng JH, Liu XN, Xu X, Cui HY, Zhang XC, Gao JP. Sodium houttuyfonate protects against cardiac injury by regulating cardiac energy metabolism in diabetic rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 932:175236. [PMID: 36044971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic cardiomyopathy is a diabetic complication with complicated pathophysiological changes and pathogenesis and difficult treatment. Sodium houttuyfonate is the adduct of sodium bisulfite and houttuynin, the main volatile component in Houttuynia cordata Thunb, possesses a variety of activities including multiple interventions on inhibiting ventricular remodeling. The study aims to explore effect of sodium houttuyfonate on diabetic myocardial injury and its underlying mechanisms. The diabetes model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a dose of 85 mg/kg. By intragastric administration for 26 days, sodium houttuyfonate (50 and 100 mg/kg/d) reversed the abnormal serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio, improved the abnormal levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase and brain natriuretic peptide, reduced electrocardiogram P-R and QRS interval extension, accelerated the heart rate, decreased serum malondialdehyde content, up-regulated the myocardial energy metabolism including elevated the contents of ATP, ADP, total adenine nucleotides and phosphocreatine in myocardium, decreased AMP/ATP ratio, elevated myocardial Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity, and down-regulated the mRNA expressions of AMP protein activation kinase α2 (AMPK-α2) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). In a conclusion, these results suggest that sodium houttuyfonate can improve cardiac energy metabolism disorder caused by diabetes by increasing cardiac Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activity and regulating AMPK signaling pathway, and then attenuates cardiac injury caused by hyperglycemia. In addition, sodium houttuyfonate also has the effects of anti-oxidation and improving abnormal levels of blood lipid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-An Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Ke-Zhao Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jia-Hua Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiao-Ning Liu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, 201418, China
| | - Xu Xu
- School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Shanghai Institute of Technology, Shanghai, 201418, China
| | - Hong-Yan Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiao-Chen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian-Ping Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Role of Epicardial Adipose Tissue in Cardiovascular Diseases: A Review. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11030355. [PMID: 35336728 PMCID: PMC8945130 DOI: 10.3390/biology11030355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Simple Summary Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular events and a promising new therapeutic target in CVDs. Here, we summarize the currently available evidence regarding the role of EAT in the development of CVDs, including coronary artery disease, heart failure and atrial fibrillation; compile data regarding the association between EAT’s function and the course of COVID-19; and present new potential therapeutic possibilities, aiming at modifying EAT’s function. The development of novel therapies specifically targeting EAT could revolutionize the prognosis in CVDs. Abstract Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is defined as a fat depot localized between the myocardial surface and the visceral layer of the pericardium and is a type of visceral fat. EAT is one of the most important risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events and a promising new therapeutic target in CVDs. In health conditions, EAT has a protective function, including protection against hypothermia or mechanical stress, providing myocardial energy supply from free fatty acid and release of adiponectin. In patients with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or diabetes mellitus, EAT becomes a deleterious tissue promoting the development of CVDs. Previously, we showed an adverse modulation of gene expression in pericoronary adipose tissue in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). Here, we summarize the currently available evidence regarding the role of EAT in the development of CVDs, including CAD, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation. Due to the rapid development of the COVID-19 pandemic, we also discuss data regarding the association between EAT and the course of COVID-19. Finally, we present the potential therapeutic possibilities aiming at modifying EAT’s function. The development of novel therapies specifically targeting EAT could revolutionize the prognosis in CVDs.
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Nyawo TA, Pheiffer C, Mazibuko-Mbeje SE, Mthembu SXH, Nyambuya TM, Nkambule BB, Sadie-Van Gijsen H, Strijdom H, Tiano L, Dludla PV. Physical Exercise Potentially Targets Epicardial Adipose Tissue to Reduce Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Patients with Metabolic Diseases: Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Emerge as Major Therapeutic Targets. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1758. [PMID: 34829629 PMCID: PMC8614861 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Excess epicardial adiposity, within a state of obesity and metabolic syndrome, is emerging as an important risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Accordingly, increased epicardial fat thickness (EFT) implicates the exacerbation of pathological mechanisms involving oxidative stress and inflammation within the heart, which may accelerate the development of CVDs. This explains increased interest in targeting EFT reduction to attenuate the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and inflammation within the setting of metabolic syndrome. Here, we critically discuss clinical and preclinical evidence on the impact of physical exercise on EFT in correlation with reduced CVD risk within a setting of metabolic disease. This review also brings a unique perspective on the implications of oxidative stress and inflammation as major pathological consequences that link increased EFT to accelerated CVD risk in conditions of metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thembeka A. Nyawo
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (T.A.N.); (C.P.); (S.X.H.M.)
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (H.S.-V.G.); (H.S.)
| | - Carmen Pheiffer
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (T.A.N.); (C.P.); (S.X.H.M.)
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (H.S.-V.G.); (H.S.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria 0001, South Africa
| | | | - Sinenhlanhla X. H. Mthembu
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (T.A.N.); (C.P.); (S.X.H.M.)
- Department of Biochemistry, North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa;
| | - Tawanda M. Nyambuya
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, Namibia University of Science and Technology, Windhoek 9000, Namibia;
| | - Bongani B. Nkambule
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4000, South Africa;
| | - Hanél Sadie-Van Gijsen
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (H.S.-V.G.); (H.S.)
| | - Hans Strijdom
- Centre for Cardiometabolic Research in Africa (CARMA), Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (H.S.-V.G.); (H.S.)
| | - Luca Tiano
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Phiwayinkosi V. Dludla
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town 7505, South Africa; (T.A.N.); (C.P.); (S.X.H.M.)
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