Obesity-Associated Adiposomes Promote Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Hypercontractility

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Biology
• Metabolic Disease Research
• Cellular Physiology

Background:

• Inter-organ crosstalk between adipose tissue and vasculature is crucial in obesity-related cardiovascular dysfunction.
• Obese adiposomes impair vasodilation via endothelial dysfunction; their effect on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of adiposomes from obese donors on vascular smooth muscle cell function.
• To identify mechanisms underlying obesity-induced vascular dysfunction mediated by adiposomes.

Main Methods:

• Adiposomes were isolated from visceral adipose tissue of obese and lean human subjects and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice.
• Vascular myogenic tone, VSMC intracellular Ca2+, membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Obese adiposomes increased arteriolar myogenic tone and VSMC Ca2+ excitability.
• Obese adiposomes impaired KATP channel function and elevated ROS in VSMCs.
• Ceramides in obese adiposomes were identified as key mediators of vascular hypercontractility.

Conclusions:

• Adiposomes from obese individuals promote VSMC dysfunction, contributing to obesity-related vascular complications.
• Targeting adiposome-mediated inter-organ communication presents a potential therapeutic strategy for vascular issues in obesity.