Role of Perivascular Adipose Tissue-Derived Adiponectin in Vascular Homeostasis

Studies of adipose tissue biology have demonstrated that adipose tissue should be considered as both passive, energy-storing tissue and an endocrine organ because of the secretion of adipose-specific factors, called adipokines. Adiponectin is a well-described homeostatic adipokine with metabolic properties. It regulates whole-body energy status through the induction of fatty acid oxidation and glucose uptake. Adiponectin also has anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties, making it an interesting subject of biomedical studies. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) is a fat depot that is conterminous to the vascular wall and acts on it in a paracrine manner through adipokine secretion. PVAT-derived adiponectin can act on the vascular wall through endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. The present review describes adiponectin's structure, receptors, and main signaling pathways. We further discuss recent studies of the extent and nature of crosstalk between PVAT-derived adiponectin and endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, and atherosclerotic plaques. Furthermore, we argue whether adiponectin and its receptors may be considered putative therapeutic targets.

Automated summary

Adipose tissue serves as both an energy-storing tissue and an endocrine organ due to its secretion of adipose-specific factors called adipokines. Among these, adiponectin is a well-known adipokine with metabolic, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) acts on the vascular wall through adipokine secretion and adiponectin can affect the vascular wall through endothelial cells and vascular smooth muscle cells. Studies have suggested that adiponectin and its receptors may be potential therapeutic targets.