The role of pericardial adipose tissue in the heart of obese minipigs

Abstract

This study demonstrated the similarities and dissimilarities between PAT and VAT under HFD stimulus. In addition, this study suggested that alteration in PAT contributed to the myocardial damage.

Pericardial adipose tissue and cardiovascular diseases: New insights from basic research

“…Nevertheless, some concerns emerged about possible endocrine functions of the pericardial adipose tissue that has been suggested to play local effects instead of influencing the systemic inflammatory state. Therefore, the study by Wang et al from National Taiwan University represents a significant step forward in the characterization of this apparently neglected fat depot. By randomly fed minipigs with high fat diet (HFD), the authors were able to experimentally induce dyslipidaemia and obesity.…”

“…Considering the detrimental role of some of these mediators on cardiac inflammation, remodelling and cardiovascular function, this observation strongly supports a crucial role for this compartment even when compared to the visceral adipose tissue. Overall, those results allowed the authors to conclude that dissimilarities exist between pericardial and visceral fat in obesity and especially pericardial adiposity might independently contribute to determine myocardial dysfunction . In line with those experimental findings, a seminal paper was recently published in JACC: Cardiovascular imaging reported a similar association between increased pericardial—but not hepatic—adiposity and adverse CV outcome.…”

“…Three articles of outstanding quality have been selected and further judged in the final selection round on the basis of their scientific impact, novelty and overall translational value. Among the finalists, the article by Chia‐Yu Wang et al entitled “The role of pericardial adipose tissue in the heart of obese minipigs” gained the highest consideration by the ESCI Committee and has been rewarded the 2019 ESCI Award for the Best Basic Research Article.…”

The impact of DRP1 on myocardial fibrosis in the obese minipig

“…Our latest study finds that pericardial adipose tissue (PAT) is involved in the cardiac fibrosis of HFD‐fed pigs. The secretomes of PAT impaired mitochondrial functions and caused cardiomyocyte apoptosis . The aim of the current study was to elucidate the role of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiac fibrosis of obese minipigs.…”

“…The secretomes of PAT impaired mitochondrial functions and caused cardiomyocyte apoptosis. 20,21 The aim of the current study was to elucidate the role of mitochondrial dynamics in cardiac fibrosis of obese minipigs. The relationship between mitochondrial dynamics and HFD-induced cardiac fibrosis was determined.…”