Role of epicardial tissue in pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases

Česká verzia

Authors: F. Souček ¹; J. Novák ²
Authors place of work: I. interní kardioangiologická klinika FN u sv. Anny v Brně ¹; II. interní klinika FN u sv. Anny v Brně ²
Published in the journal: Kardiol Rev Int Med 2018, 20(3): 212-217

Summary

Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Adipose tissue is currently considered to be a metabolically active organ. Rather than subcutaneous adipose tissue, visceral adipose tissue has importance in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. Due to its proximity to the heart, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), which has the same embryonic origin as visceral adipose tissue, is currently widely studied for its possible involvement in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases. EAT produces a number of biologically active substances which can affect the adjacent myocardium by paracrine or vasocrine signalling. The most robust evidence is available of the role of EAT in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. However, the position of EAT in pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation and heart failure is also evident. This review article provides information on current knowledge about the role of EAT in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular diseases and potential therapeutic implications.

Key words:

obesity – cardiovascular risk – epicardial adipose tissue

Zdroje

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