Epicardial Fat Tissue Thickness and Omentin in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation

Abstract Background: Although electrical and structural remodeling has been recognized to be important in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation, the mechanisms underlying remodeling process are unknown. There has been increasing interest in the involvement of inflammatory molecules and adipokines released from the epicardial fat tissue in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation. Objectives: In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship of atrial fibrillation with increased epicardial adipose tissue, inflammatory molecules released from this tissue and omentin. Methods: Thirty-six patients who were followed up with a diagnosis of permanent AF at the cardiology outpatient clinic 33 individuals without atrial fibrillation (controls) were included in the study. Epicardial adipose tissue thickness of patients was measured by echocardiography. Serum omentin, IL 6, IL 1 beta, TNF alpha and CRP levels were measured. Man-Whitney U test was performed for comparisons and significance was established at 5% (p<0.05). Results: Epicardial adipose tissue thickness was significantly greater in the patient group (6mm [4-5.5]) than controls (4mm [3-5.5]) (p <0.001). No significant difference was found in the concentrations of omentin or inflammatory molecules between the groups. Conclusion: No relationship was found between atrial fibrillation and serum levels or omentin or inflammatory markers. A relationship between epicardial adipose tissue thickness measured by echocardiography and atrial fibrillation was determined.

Tejido adiposo / Adipose tissue

El concepto clásico afirma que el tejido adiposo (TA) es parte del tejido conjuntivo y está compuesto por células que almacenan lípidos llamados adipocitos. La distribución del TA es diferente según los sexos. En las mujeres predomina la distribución ginecoide, mientras que en los varones lo hace en la mitad superior (distribución androide). En el hombre hay un predominio de la grasa visceral, con mayor actividad lipolítica. En cambio, en la mujer se almacena energía y sólo la libera en casos extremos como el embarazo y la lactancia, predominando la lipogénesis. La lipólisis y la lipogénesis son procesos simultáneos y el predominio de uno de ellos determinará la dirección del metabolismo del TA. En la actualidad se considera que el TA blanco constituye, como la piel, un órgano productor de ciertas sustancias- adipoquinas- con acción endocrina, paracrina y autocrina. La gran cantidad de receptores para distintos estímulos explican la sensibilidad y adaptación del TA a las múltiples circunstancia metabólicas.

Adipocyte Signals in Energy Balance and Digestive Diseases / 대한소화기학회지

For the regulation of energy balance in various internal organs including gut, pancreas and liver, visceral adipose tissue and brain perform important sensing and signaling roles via neural and endocrine pathway. Among these, adipose tissue has been known as a simple energy-storing organ, which stores excess energy in triglyceride. However, it became apparent that adipocytes have various receptors related to energy homeostasis, and secrete adipocytokines by endocrine, paracrine and autocrine mechanisms. In this review, basic roles of adipocytes in energy homeostasis and the correlation between adipocyte signals and digestive diseases are discussed.