Perivascular adipose tissue and adipocyte-derived exosomal miRNAs maintain vascular homeostasis

Hsi-Hsien Chen; Hsiao-Fen Li; Tzu-Ling Tseng; Heng Lin

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22607

Perivascular adipose tissue and adipocyte-derived exosomal miRNAs maintain vascular homeostasis

Heliyon. 2023 Nov 20;9(12):e22607. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e22607. eCollection 2023 Dec.

Authors

Hsi-Hsien Chen^{1

2

3}, Hsiao-Fen Li⁴, Tzu-Ling Tseng^{5

6

7}, Heng Lin⁴

Affiliations

¹ Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
² Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
³ TMU Research Center of Urology and Kidney, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
⁴ Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, 110, Taiwan.
⁵ CardioVascular Research Center, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, No.707, Zhongyang Rd., Sec. 3, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan.
⁶ Department of Medical Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan.
⁷ Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien, 97004, Taiwan.

Abstract

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), a fat layer that provides structural support to the blood vessels, is a cushion protecting the vessel wall from neighbouring tissues during contraction and relaxation. PVAT actively regulates vascular tone by secreting vasoactive (vasodilatory and vasoconstrictive) factors (e.g., adipokines, batokines, and lipokines) or microRNA (miRNA)-containing exosomes to reduce the hyperreactivity induced by obesity. Of particular interest are adipocyte-derived exosomal miRNAs, which act as crucial regulators, counteracting the detrimental effects of obesity on cardiovascular well-being. These exosomes serve as potent messengers, facilitating the transport of miRNAs and other bioactive molecules involved in intercellular communication. Undoubtedly, the unique function of exosomal miRNAs promotes vascular homeostasis by fine-tuning endothelial function, vascular remodelling, and inflammatory environment, thereby preventing cardiovascular disease. The collective findings comprehensively explain their protective functions by exploring the intricate mechanisms through which PVAT and adipocyte-derived exosomal miRNAs collaboratively orchestrate vascular health. Taken together, this review strategically focuses on PVAT, exosomes, and adipocyte-derived miRNAs, offering valuable insights that can potentially inform the development of targeted interventions for cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Cardiovascular health; Exosomal miRNAs; Obesity-induced vascular inflammation; Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT); Vascular homeostasis.

Publication types

Review