Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 14, 2026
10:35
Measuring the Stiffness of Ex Vivo Mouse Aortas Using Atomic Force Microscopy
Published on: October 19, 2016
11.4K
Intramyocellular and Extramyocellular Lipids Are Associated With Arterial Stiffness
Natsuki Hasegawa1, Toshiyuki Kurihara1, Koji Sato1
1Faculty of Sport and Health Science, Ritsumeikan University, Shiga, Japan.
American Journal of Hypertension
|April 26, 2015
Summary
Muscle lipid content, including intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL), is linked to arterial stiffness. Higher EMCL and lower IMCL correlate with increased arterial stiffness, with gender-specific differences observed.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Metabolic Health
- Body Composition Analysis
Background:
- Obesity and overweight individuals face elevated arterial stiffness risks.
- Visceral, epicardial, and hepatic fat accumulation are linked to cardiovascular disease.
- The relationship between muscle lipid content (IMCL, EMCL) and arterial stiffness is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) content in muscle and arterial stiffness.
- To clarify the role of muscle lipid depots in cardiovascular risk.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 237 participants aged 18-81.
- Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy used to quantify IMCL and EMCL in the vastus lateralis muscle.
- Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measured to assess arterial stiffness.
Main Results:
- Significant correlations found between baPWV and both IMCL (negative) and EMCL (positive) content across all subjects.
- Arterial stiffness (baPWV) negatively correlated with IMCL in females and positively with EMCL in both males and females.
- IMCL and EMCL independently predicted baPWV variations after adjusting for multiple confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL) content may represent novel risk factors for arterial stiffness.
- The association between muscle lipids and arterial stiffness varies by gender and age.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Atherosclerosis I: Introduction
2.1K
Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
2.1K
01:38Inflammation
65.3K
Overview
65.3K
01:30Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction
640
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...
640
01:29Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
2.0K
Although not a source of energy, cholesterol plays a significant role as a foundational structure for bile salts, steroid hormones, and vitamin D, as well as being a crucial component of plasma membranes. Approximately 15% of blood cholesterol is derived from our diet, with the remainder synthesized from acetyl CoA by the liver and intestines. Cholesterol is eliminated from the body through its conversion into bile salts, which are eventually discarded in the feces.
Considering cholesterol and...
Considering cholesterol and...
2.0K
01:31Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
7.5K
Fats and lipids are crucial components in the human body. Some lipid-derived compounds, such as fat-soluble vitamins, eicosanoids, lipoproteins, and glycolipids, also play unique roles to support various biological processes .
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin,...
7.5K
01:26Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology
1.0K
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
1.0K