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Localization, Identification, and Excision of Murine Adipose Depots
Published on: December 4, 2014
Localization of fat depots and cardiovascular risk
Olga Gruzdeva1,2, Daria Borodkina3, Evgenya Uchasova4
1Federal State Budgetary Institution, Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases, Kemerovo, Russian Federation.
Insights
Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This review examines visceral, epicardial, and perivascular fat depots and their distinct roles in heart disease development and progression.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Metabolic Disorders
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are a leading cause of disability and mortality despite advancements in treatment.
- Obesity is a significant risk factor for CVD, but the impact of different fat depots varies.
- Visceral fat accumulation is increasingly linked to cardiometabolic risk, though its role may be complex.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current literature on the characteristics of visceral, epicardial, and perivascular adipose tissue.
- To explore the associations between these specific fat depots and cardiovascular disease.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of contemporary studies.
- Analysis of research on fat depot characteristics (inflammatory, paracrine, metabolic activities).
- Synthesis of evidence linking fat depots to cardiometabolic risk and CVD.
Main Results:
- Different fat depots exhibit distinct biological activities.
- Visceral fat accumulation is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk.
- Evidence suggests visceral fat may also offer protection against lipotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the specific roles of visceral, epicardial, and perivascular fat is crucial for CVD prevention and treatment.
- Targeting specific fat depots may offer novel therapeutic strategies for managing obesity-related cardiovascular complications.
Abstract:
Despite the existing preventative and therapeutic measures, cardiovascular diseases remain the main cause of temporary disability, long-term disability, and mortality. Obesity is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and their complications. However, not all fat depots have the same inflammatory, paracrine, and metabolic activities. In addition, recent studies have indicated that the accumulation of visceral fat, rather than subcutaneous fat, is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk. However, there is also evidence that increasing the area of visceral fat can help protect against lipotoxicity. This review aims to discuss the contemporary literature regarding the characteristics of the visceral, epicardial, and perivascular fat depots, as well as their associations with cardiovascular disease.
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