Signals From Inflamed Perivascular Adipose Tissue Contribute to Small-Vessel Dysfunction in Women With Human...

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Immunology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experience microvascular disease.
• Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) influences microvascular function.
• Adipose tissue inflammation is prevalent in individuals with HIV.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate if PVAT in people with HIV (PWH) is inflamed.
• To determine if inflamed PVAT impairs small vessel function in PWH.

Main Methods:

• Small arteries with or without PVAT were dissected from gluteal skin biopsies of women with treated HIV (WWH) and controls.
• Isometric myography was used to study vascular function.
• Nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), adipokines, and inflammation markers were measured in PVAT.

Main Results:

• PVAT from control women enhanced endothelium-dependent relaxation and NO release, while reducing contractions.
• PVAT from WWH showed reduced enhancement of relaxation and NO, with increased ROS and inflammation markers.
• Reduced adiponectin release from PVAT in WWH correlated with impaired moderation of contractions.

Conclusions:

• PVAT in WWH exhibits oxidative stress, inflammation, and decreased adiponectin release.
• These PVAT alterations may lead to increased small artery contractions.
• PVAT dysfunction could be a contributing factor to small-artery dysfunction in individuals with HIV.