title: Adipose tissue: the link between obesity and cardiovascular disease.
abstract: The ever-increasing prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) associated with obesity is linked through signaling pathways within adipose tissue. Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ, producing and secreting a variety of bioactive molecules. In obesity, the adipose tissue itself undergoes changes in cell size which alters its normal physiological function. Altered adipocyte function changes production and secretion of adipokines, such as leptin, adiponectin, angiotensinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, resistin, and several inflammatory molecules. Adipokines interact with other tissues and cells in the body, including many pathways linked to CVD. Future research in the area of obesity-related CVD requires further investigation into a combination of lifestyle and pharmacological therapies that alter adipokine production by reducing adipocyte size.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutritional Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
authors.forename: Vanessa
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: DeClercq
authors.forename: Carla
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Zahradka
mesh_terms: D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000473:pathology*; D000818:Animals; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology*