Adipose tissue angiogenesis as a therapeutic target for obesity and metabolic diseases

Current pharmacotherapeutic options for treating obesity and related metabolic disorders remain limited and ineffective. Emerging evidence shows that modulators of angiogenesis affect the expansion and metabolism of fat mass by regulating the growth and remodelling of the adipose tissue vasculature. Pharmacological manipulation of adipose tissue neovascularization by angiogenic stimulators and inhibitors might therefore offer a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic disorders. This Perspective discusses recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms that control adipose tissue angiogenesis and in defining potential new vascular targets and approaches for the treatment of this group of diseases.