Exploring the Diversity of Visceral, Subcutaneous and Perivascular Adipose Tissue in a Vascular Surgery Population

Abstract

The prevalence of obesity has doubled, with a concomitant increase in cardiovascular disease. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of visceral, subcutaneous and peri-aortic adipose tissue determined with computed tomography (CT) scans and to correlate them with cardiovascular risk factors, anthropometric measures and medication. An observational and prospective study was conducted, and 177 subjects were included. Peri-aortic adipose tissue had the highest density, while the subcutaneous adipose tissue had the lowest. The density of subcutaneous adipose tissue differs from the density of visceral (p = 0.00) and peri-aortic adipose tissue (p = 0.00). Smokers/ex-smokers had a lower area (p = 0.00) and density (p = 0.02) of subcutaneous adipose tissue. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that sex was a predictor of subcutaneous adipose tissue area (β = −0.27, t = −3.12, p = 0.00) but smoking habits were not. After controlling for sex, we found that the association between smokers/ex-smokers and area of subcutaneous adipose tissue was lost, but the association with density persisted. Patients with hypertension had a higher visceral adipose tissue area, and this relationship was maintained even after adjusting for gender. Peri-aortic adipose tissue is similar to visceral and distinct from subcutaneous adipose tissue. Cardiovascular risk factors have different influences in distinct adipose compartments.

Inflammatory Cells in Adipose Tissue and Skeletal Muscle of Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease or Chronic Venous Disease: A Prospective, Observational, and Histological Study

“…Analysing the anthropometric measures, we found that patients with PAD had a lower HC when compared to those with varicose veins. Our multiple linear regression analysis showed that both smoking load and the presence of PAD were associated with a lower HC, which is the best anthropometric measure to determine SAT [15].…”

“…A previous publication from our research team found that smoking load was negatively correlated with the area of SAT determined on CT scan in a cohort of vascular surgery patients, and these results could be explained by the inhibition of lipogenesis caused by nicotine inhalation [15,16].…”

“…The following anthropometric data were assessed by a dedicated nurse: height, weight, BMI, WC, hip circumference (HC), and WHR. The methods used to determine these measures are described in a publication from our group [15].…”

“…Consequently, a decrease in inflammation should be a priority in this population. Statins, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin receptor blockers are examples of therapies that decrease inflammation in adipose tissue, at least in visceral fat [15].…”