Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has emerged as a significant player in the regulation of vascular health, complementing the well-established role of the endothelium in paracrine signaling. PVAT, the fat surrounding peripheral vessels, produces a diverse array of bioactive molecules that influence vascular tone and homeostasis. The complex interplay between PVAT and the vascular endothelium is particularly intriguing, especially in the context of energy imbalance, where PVAT can adopt an inflammatory phenotype. This dual relationship suggests that PVAT may compensate for endothelial dysfunction while also being influenced by vascular disease, leading to changes in its phenotypic profile. Recent studies have highlighted PVAT's potential as a therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, given its multifaceted role in vascular biology. Despite these advances, there remains a need for a deeper understanding of PVAT's interactions with the cardiovascular system to identify new therapeutic targets and develop novel diagnostic biomarkers. While PVAT's secretome is well-documented, emerging research is uncovering additional functions, such as its mechanical properties and immune cell complement, underscoring the need for further investigation.
This Research Topic aims to explore the multifaceted roles of perivascular adipose tissue in vascular health and disease. By examining the interactions between PVAT and the vascular system, this research seeks to uncover new insights into the mechanisms by which PVAT influences vascular function. Key objectives include understanding the interplay between endothelial cells and PVAT, identifying regulatory mechanisms of PVAT, and exploring the potential of PVAT as a therapeutic target and source of diagnostic biomarkers in cardiovascular medicine.
To gather further insights into the influence of perivascular adipose tissue on vascular health, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:
- The interaction between endothelial cells and PVAT in relation to vascular disease;
- Mechanisms regulating PVAT: Pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions;
- Sex differences in modulation of PVAT morphology and function;
- Influence of PVAT on the mechanics of blood vessels;
- Inflammatory cells in PVAT: their roles in health and disease;
- The importance of stem cells within PVAT;
- Integration of vascular layers, including PVAT, to provide a functional vessel;
- Comparison of PVAT to nonvascular fat: determining characteristics;
- Potential novel diagnostic biomarkers from PVAT for cardiovascular medicine.
We welcome the submission of
different article types to this collection, especially reviews, mini-reviews, and original research papers.