Adipose tissue pro-inflammatory gene expression is associated with cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Endocrinology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, releasing inflammatory mediators implicated in atherosclerosis.
• Limited data exists on adipose tissue expression of key inflammatory markers in human subjects with and without CVD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), interleukin-18 (IL-18), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in adipose tissue.
• To explore the association between adipose tissue inflammatory marker expression and the presence of cardiovascular disease.

Main Methods:

• Subcutaneous fat biopsies were obtained from 61 patients with or without cardiovascular disease.
• RNA was isolated, and the expression levels of MMP-9, TIMP-1, PAI-1, IL-18, and IL-6 were quantified using Real-Time PCR and relative quantification.

Main Results:

• While not statistically significant, higher expression of inflammatory mediators (except IL-18) was observed in patients with cardiovascular disease (n=16) compared to those without (n=45).
• A composite score system for overall adipose tissue inflammatory activity showed a highly significant association with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Conclusions:

• Adipose tissue inflammatory activity, assessed collectively, may offer insights into the pathogenic mechanisms linking obesity and cardiovascular disease.
• Measuring inflammatory markers in adipose tissue, alongside adipose tissue mass, could enhance understanding of obesity-related CVD.