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Ectopic Fat Accumulation in Pancreas and Heart
Junji Kozawa1,2, Iichiro Shimomura1
1Department of Metabolic Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|April 3, 2021
Summary
Ectopic fat accumulation in organs like the pancreas, heart, and coronary arteries is increasingly linked to diabetes. Further research may lead to new treatments targeting this ectopic fat.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Metabolic Diseases
Background:
- Ectopic fat, fat in non-adipose tissues, is found in the liver, muscle, and kidney.
- Recent observations indicate ectopic fat accumulation in the pancreas, heart (epicardium and myocardium), and coronary arteries.
- Pancreatic fat is suspected to be involved in diabetes pathophysiology, while myocardial fat is linked to diastolic dysfunction in diabetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current findings on ectopic fat accumulation in various organs.
- To explore the relationship between ectopic fat and diabetes pathophysiology and complications.
- To discuss potential future therapeutic strategies targeting ectopic fat.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of recent research findings.
- Focus on studies investigating ectopic fat in the pancreas, heart, and coronary arteries.
- Analysis of the association between ectopic fat and diabetes.
Main Results:
- Ectopic fat in the pancreas is implicated in diabetes onset, though the exact relationship requires further determination.
- Epicardial and myocardial fat are associated with coronary artery disease and diastolic dysfunction, respectively, particularly in diabetic patients.
- Coronary arteries are identified as a novel site for ectopic fat accumulation in type 2 diabetes.
Conclusions:
- Ectopic fat accumulation in multiple organs is significantly associated with diabetes.
- Understanding these relationships is crucial for managing diabetic complications.
- Targeting ectopic fat represents a promising avenue for future diabetes treatments.
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