Adipose tissue pro-inflammatory gene expression is associated with cardiovascular disease

Abstract

Summary Background: Obese patients are at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Several studies suggest obesity as an independent risk factor. Adipose tissue is now accepted as an endocrine organ that produces and secretes a variety of cytokines, hormones and other metabolic players involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Among this versatile group of mediators and effectors of inflammation and atherothrombosis, we have studied the expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1), plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1), interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6). All these markers, in their circulatory form, have been associated with cardiovascular disease. However, there is no much data available on their expression in adipose tissue in human subjects with and without cardiovascular disease. Material and methods: We successfully isolated RNA from subcutaneous fat biopsies of 61 patients with or without cardiovascular disease. We then measured the RNA expression of MMP‐9, TIMP‐1, PAI‐1, IL‐18 and IL‐6 with Real‐Time PCR, using relative quantification. Results: Albeit not statistically significant, all inflammatory mediators – except IL‐18 – were highly expressed in patients with cardiovascular disease (n = 16) compared with those without (n = 45). Pooling the gene expression data, trying to capture the overall inflammatory activity in adipose tissue in a score system, we observed a highly significant association with CVD. Conclusions: Trying to capture the overall inflammatory activity, in addition to the mass of adipose tissue, could provide useful hints towards a pathogenetic link between obesity and presence of cardiovascular disease.

Long-chain n−3 PUFAs reduce adipose tissue and systemic inflammation in severely obese nondiabetic patients: a randomized controlled trial

“…We and others previously showed that inflammatory gene expression is increased in morbidly obese patients, including CCL2 and CCL3 (40), and is associated with metabolic and cardiovascular disorders (41). In this study, we showed that, compared with control treatment, n23 PUFAs generally downregulated SAT and VAT gene expression of most proinflammatory marker genes, which we analyzed, namely CCL2, CCL3, IL6, HIF1A, and TGFB1, even though not all changes were statistically significant.…”

Biochemical markers of psoriasis as a metabolic disease

“…It was suggested that plasma levels of IL-18 might be considered as an independent predictor of future coronary events [164,165]. However, Weiss et al [160] reported that expression levels of IL-18 in adipose tissue were significantly lower in patients with cardiovascular disease compared to those without it.…”

“…IL-18 has been reported to induce the production of IL-4, IL-13 by basophils, mast cells, T cells and NK cells [158]. Moreover, IL-18 is synthesized by adipocytes and resident macrophages within adipose tissue [160,161]. Production of this cytokine has also been shown within atherosclerotic plaques [162].…”

Disparities in the Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome (MS) and its Components Among University Employees by Age, Gender and Occupation

“…Majority of the females were pre-menopausal and thus could have benefited from protective effects of estrogen on cardiovascular risks [22]. Moreover, males have more visceral adipose tissue that increases over expression of inflammatory markers associated with increased cardiovascular risks [23]. Other plausible factors may include dietary habits, known CVD risk factors such as cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption common in Chinese men than women [2,3].…”