Adipose Tissue: The Link Between Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease

Title: Adipose Tissue: The Link Between Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease

Volume: 8 Issue: 3

Author(s): Vanessa DeClercq, Carla Taylor and Peter Zahradka

Affiliation:

Keywords: Obesity, cardiovascular disease, adipose tissue, adipocyte, adipokines, adiponectin

Abstract: The ever-increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with obesity is linked through signaling pathways within adipose tissue. Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, producing and secreting a variety of bioactive molecules. In obesity, the adipose tissue itself undergoes changes in cell size which alters its normal physiological function. Altered adipocyte function changes production and secretion of adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin, angiotensinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, resistin, and several inflammatory molecules. Adipokines interact with other tissues and cells in the body, including many pathways linked to CVD. Future research in the area of obesityrelated CVD requires further investigation into a combination of lifestyle and pharmacological therapies that alter adipokine production by reducing adipocyte size.

Cite this article as:

DeClercq Vanessa, Taylor Carla and Zahradka Peter, Adipose Tissue: The Link Between Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease, Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders-Drug Targets 2008; 8 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/187152908785849080