Epicardial adipose tissue and cardiac lipotoxicity: A review

• Published in: Life sciences (1973) 2023-09, Vol.328, p.121913-121913, Article 121913
• Main Authors: Mukherjee, Anirban Goutam, Renu, Kaviyarasi, Gopalakrishnan, Abilash Valsala, Jayaraj, Rama, Dey, Abhijit, Vellingiri, Balachandar, Ganesan, Raja
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cardiovascular disease; Epicardial adipose tissue; Free fatty acids; Lipotoxicity; PPAR-γ
• ISSN: 0024-3205; 1879-0631
• DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121913

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has morphological and physiological contiguity with the myocardium and coronary arteries, making it a visceral fat deposit with some unique properties. Under normal circumstances, EAT exhibits biochemical, mechanical, and thermogenic cardioprotective characteristics. Under clinical processes, epicardial fat can directly impact the heart and coronary arteries by secreting proinflammatory cytokines via vasocrine or paracrine mechanisms. It is still not apparent what factors affect this equilibrium. Returning epicardial fat to its physiological purpose may be possible by enhanced local vascularization, weight loss, and focused pharmacological therapies. This review centers on EAT's developing physiological and pathophysiological dimensions and its various and pioneering clinical utilities. [Display omitted] •Damaged EAT can become dangerous and promote thrombosis and inflammation.•PPARγ overexpression in mice heart increases the uptake of fatty acids.•PPARγ activation is cardioprotective in sepsis-induced cardiac dysfunction.•PPARγ signaling may reduce cardiac remodeling.•EAT secretes significantly more adipokines than subcutaneous adipose tissue.