Effects of Bariatric Surgery on Endothelial Function and Structure in Individuals with Obesity: A Prospective Study

This study aimed to investigate the association between obesity indices and endothelial dysfunction, and evaluate the temporal effects of Metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS)-induced weight loss on vascular endothelial function and structural remodeling.

A total of 224 individuals completed the study before and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after MBS. Body Mass Index (BMI) and Conicity Index (CI) were used to quantify obesity severity, while Flow-Mediated Dilation (FMD) and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (cIMT) served as indicators of endothelial function and vascular structural integrity, respectively. The impact of MBS on endothelial function and structure was then evaluated through a longitudinal study.

Preoperative analysis showed a negative linear correlation between FMD and BMI (r = -0.173, p < 0.05). This association was markedly amplified in the abdominal obesity parameter of CI (r = -0.434, p < 0.05). CI gradually decreased at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery, accompanied by a gradual increase in FMD values, while cIMT did not change until 3 months. Subgroup analysis showed that in diabetic patients, as blood glucose and insulin resistance reduced, FMD gradually recovered and approached normal.

Individuals with abdominal obesity exhibit obvious endothelial dysfunction. MBS can effectively achieve sustained weight loss within 12 months, improve endothelial function, and reduce cardiovascular disease risk factors.