[White adipose tissue, inflammation and atherosclerosis]

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Immunology
• Cardiovascular Science

Background:

• White adipose tissue (WAT) was historically viewed as inert fat storage.
• Emerging evidence reveals WAT as a dynamic endocrine organ.
• WAT secretes numerous bioactive molecules, including cytokines, chemokines, and hormones.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the multifaceted roles of WAT in metabolic and inflammatory processes.
• To understand the impact of WAT-derived factors on local tissue and systemic health.
• To explore the contribution of perivascular WAT to vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on WAT function and secretions.
• Analysis of secreted factors from WAT, including TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin.
• Examination of the paracrine and endocrine actions of these secreted factors.

Main Results:

• WAT secretes a wide array of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6) and chemokines (e.g., MCP-1, IL-8).
• These factors mediate local WAT inflammation, neoangiogenesis, and differentiation.
• Systemic circulation of WAT factors contributes to inflammation, hypertension, insulin resistance, and appetite regulation.
• Perivascular WAT secretes proatherogenic factors, promoting vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis.

Conclusions:

• WAT is a critical endocrine and inflammatory organ.
• WAT-derived factors significantly influence systemic metabolic and cardiovascular health.
• Targeting WAT's secretory function holds potential for treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases.