Adipose tissue (AT) expansion and remodeling that maintains healthy function relies on stromal preadipocytes capable of differentiating into new adipocytes (adipogenesis). During chronic positive energy balance, a relative deficit in adipogenesis, from either a decrease in preadipocyte number or their capacity to differentiate, leads to excessive adipocyte hypertrophy and AT dysfunction. AT contains macrophages whose number and activation state is dynamically regulated with changes in AT mass. This study aims to investigate the effect of macrophage-secreted factors on preadipocyte survival. To assess the effect of macrophage-secreted factors on preadipocytes, murine 3T3-L1 preadipocytes or human primary preadipocytes were incubated with macrophage-conditioned medium (MacCM), prepared from either murine (J774A.1, RAW264.7, bone marrow-derived) or human (THP-1, monocyte-derived) macrophage models, respectively. MacCM inhibited preadipocyte apoptosis and activated pro-survival signaling in both preadipocyte models. Inhibition of PDGFR, Akt, or ERK1/2 reduced the pro-survival effect of MacCM in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Inhibition of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, or enhancement of ROS clearance, reduced MacCM-dependent 3T3-L1 preadipocyte survival. Whereas anti-inflammatory activated macrophages retained the ability to prevent preadipocyte apoptosis, pro-inflammatory activated macrophages did not. TNF-α immunoneutralization restored the survival activity of pro-inflammatory MacCM on 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. These studies reveal a novel pro-survival effect of MacCM on preadipocytes, and identify signaling molecules (PDGF, Akt, ERK1/2, and ROS) that underlie this action. Macrophage activation was found to regulate the pro-survival activity of MacCM. These in vitro cell culture studies are consistent with a model in which the extent of preadipocyte apoptosis in vivo may determine preadipocyte number and the ability of AT to expand while maintaining healthy function during chronic positive energy balance.

Bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BM MSCs) represent a heterogeneous population of progenitors with potential for generation of skeletal tissues. However the identity of BM MSC subpopulations is poorly defined mainly due to the absence of specific markers allowing in situ localization of those cells and isolation of pure cell types. Here, we aimed at characterization of surface markers in mouse BM MSCs and in their subsets with distinct differentiation potential. Using conditionally immortalized BM MSCs we performed a screening with 176 antibodies and high-throughput flow cytometry, and found 33 markers expressed in MSCs, and among them 3 were novel for MSCs and 13 have not been reported for MSCs from mice. Furthermore, we obtained clonally derived MSC subpopulations and identified bipotential progenitors capable for osteo- and adipogenic differentiation, as well as monopotential osteogenic and adipogenic clones, and thus confirmed heterogeneity of MSCs. We found that expression of CD200 was characteristic for the clones with osteogenic potential, whereas SSEA4 marked adipogenic progenitors lacking osteogenic capacity, and CD140a was expressed in adipogenic cells independently of their efficiency for osteogenesis. We confirmed our observations in cell sorting experiments and further investigated the expression of those markers during the course of differentiation. Thus, our findings provide to our knowledge the most comprehensive characterization of surface antigens expression in mouse BM MSCs to date, and suggest CD200, SSEA4 and CD140a as markers differentially expressed in distinct types of MSC progenitors.

Overweight and obesity are associated with Type 2 Diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cardiovascular disease and cancer, but all fat is not equal as storing excess lipid in subcutaneous white adipose tissue (SWAT) is more metabolically favorable than in visceral fat. Here, we uncover a critical role for mTORC2 in setting SWAT lipid handling capacity. We find that subcutaneous white preadipocytes differentiating without the essential mTORC2 subunit Rictorexpress mature adipocyte markers but develop a striking lipid storage defect. In vivo,this results in smaller adipocytes, reduced tissue size, lipid re-distribution to visceral and brown fat, and sex-distinct effects on systemic metabolic fitness. Mechanistically, mTORC2 promotes transcriptional upregulation of select lipid metabolism genes controlled by PPARgand ChREBP. These include genes that control lipid uptake, synthesis, and degradation pathways as well as Akt2, the gene encoding its substrate and insulin effector. Finally, we reveal a potential novel mTORC2 target, ACSS2, which might control intracellular acetyl-CoA availability and regulate metabolic gene expression by altering histone modification in white adipocytes. Exploring this pathway may uncover strategies to promote safe lipid storage and improve insulin sensitivity.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / Literature has demonstrated the ability of human adipose tissue to generate large amounts of lactate. However, it is not understood why adipose tissue produces lactate, how the production of lactate is regulated, and what potential benefit this has to the adipocyte or the organism. We first characterized a human model of adipogenic differentiation with minimal donor to donor variability to assess metabolic changes associated with mature adipocytes compared to their precursors. Indeed, similar to what was observed in human clinical studies, the differentiated adipocytes demonstrated increased lactate production. However, the differentiated adipocytes compared to their precursors (preadipocytes or ASCs) demonstrate an aerobic glycolysis-like (also called Warburg effect-like) increase in glycolysis characterized by a 5.2 fold increase in lactate production in normoxic conditions (atmospheric oxygen tension). Remarkably, this increase in lactate occurred even though the differentiated adipocytes simultaneously demonstrate an increase in oxidative capacity. This low fraction of oxidative capacity coupled with increased lactate production indicated regulation of oxidative rates most likely at the point of pyruvate conversion to either acetyl-CoA (oxidative metabolism) or lactate (glycolytic metabolism). To investigate the potential regulation of this metabolic phenotype, PDK isoform expression was assessed and we found PDK 1 and 4 transcript and protein elevated in the differentiated cells. Non-selective pharmacologic inhibition of the PDKs resulted in decreased lactate production, supporting a regulatory role for PDK in modulation of the observed Warburg effect. PDK inhibition also resulted in increased ROS production in the adipocytes after several hours of treatment and a decrease in cell viability when PDK inhibition was carried out over 36 hours. The resulting loss in viability could be rescued by antioxidant (Tempol) treatment, indicating the decrease in viability was ROS mediated. Similar to what is seen in cancer cells, our data demonstrate that differentiation of human adipocytes is accompanied by a PDK-dependent increase in glycolytic metabolism (Warburg effect) that not only leads to lactate production, but also seems to protect the cells from increased and detrimental generation of ROS.

Obesity accounts for $168 billion in annual medical expenses and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer, and type-2 diabetes, three diseases responsible for over 50% of deaths in the United States. It is well established that the pattern of adiposity is an important factor in the relationship with disease risk and that visceral adiposity, which favors hypertrophy (characterized by enlarged cells) is more dangerous than subcutaneous adiposity, which tends to be hyperplastic (characterized by an increase in cell number). Hypertrophy is associated with inflammation and insulin resistance, and hyperplasia (adipogenesis, i.e., the formation of new adipocytes), is associated with improved insulin sensitivity. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a potent pro-inflammatory cytokine that activates a nuclear factor-kappa B (NFKB) intracellular pathway that is an important mediator of obesity-associated insulin resistance and increased risk of type-2 diabetes. Interestingly, obesity has been positively associated with both low vitamin D status and elevated levels of TNF-alpha. Our studies focused on examining the influence of the active vitamin D hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and TNF-alpha on adipogenesis and inflammation in human primary adipocytes and determining whether the balance of these two factors influences the extent to which adipocytes accumulate lipid or express pro-inflammatory cytokines. We found no effect of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on adipogenesis or pro-adipogenic gene expression despite a clear upregulation of a vitamin D responsive gene, 24-hydroxylase, in response to treatment with 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. TNF-alpha clearly inhibited adipogenesis and expression of PPAR-gamma and C/EBP-alpha and enhanced expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and MCP-1, but not IL-8. There was a trend towards a dose-dependent downregulation of MCP-1 by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in three individuals; however, this effect was not statistically significant. While we found no interaction between TNF-alpha and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D on adipogenesis, there is a potential anti-inflammatory action of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D in human primary adipocytes. Future studies into this potential are warranted in light of the growing obesity epidemic and the interest in finding nutritionally modifiable treatment or prevention strategies to mitigate the negative consequences of obesity.

博士(スポーツ健康科学) / Doctor of Philosophy in Health and Sports Science / 同志社大学 / Doshisha University

Childhood obesity is currently considered a serious pediatric problem. The main risk of this metabolic disease lies in the shift of comorbidities associated with obesity to ever younger age categories. This is also related to the increasing overall cardiometabolic risk in these obese individuals. Early detection and treatment of childhood obesity is an essential task of pediatrics. The possibility of non-pharmacological treatment of childhood obesity is spa treatment. It consists of intensive reduction therapy, which includes nutritional, physical and educational interventions. The aim of the study was to monitor changes in anthropometric and biochemical parameters after monthly treatment in pediatric patients. Furthermore, to identify and specify selected potential markers of cardiometabolic risk that significantly correlate with BMI and could be useful in children and adolescents. The thesis also focused in detail on two adipocyte hormones - leptin and adiponectin, which already correlate with the amount of adipose tissue in the pediatric population. These hormones could become significant predictive parameters of metabolic syndrome, subclinical atherosclerosis and other comorbidities associated with obesity and cardiovascular risk, already in children. Based on our measurements we can confirm...

<p dir="ltr">Adipose tissue is characterized by the dominant presence of adipocytes, specialized cells adept at lipid metabolism. These adipocytes act as critical nodes, coordinating the complex processes of energy storage and mobilization according to the body's metabolic requirements. Within the adipocyte population of mammals, there are three main subtypes: white, beige, and brown adipocytes. White adipocytes are primarily dedicated to the sequestration of energy in the form of triglycerides. Conversely, beige and brown adipocytes are distinguished by their capacity for thermogenesis, the process of dissipating nutritional energy as heat. The contemporary challenge of chronic overnutrition has precipitated a global surge in obesity and cardiometabolic diseases. Addressing this issue necessitates the maintenance of white adipocyte homeostasis and the enhancement of the quantity and function of thermogenic adipocytes, which are imperative for mitigating the global obesity epidemics.</p><p dir="ltr">Mitochondrion, a multifunctional organelle, is integral to a broad spectrum of cellular processes, including anabolic and catabolic metabolism, bioenergetics, and signal transduction, all of which are essential for maintaining cellular functions and homeostasis. The efficacy of mitochondrial operations is intrinsically linked to their membrane dynamics. In this study, transmission electron microscopy and mass spectrometry were employed to investigate the proteins implicated in the cold-induced mitochondrial membrane remodeling in brown adipocytes. Through this approach, a poorly characterized protein, Family with Sequence Similarity 210 Member A (FAM210A), was identified as a mitochondrial inner membrane protein that is induced by cold stimulation. Subsequent loss-of-function experiments were conducted to elucidate the role of FAM210A in adipocytes. Mice with adipose-specific deletion of <i>Fam210a</i> (<i>Fam210a</i>^<em>AKO</em>) exhibited compromised mitochondrial cristae structure and a reduced thermogenic capacity in brown adipose tissue (BAT), resulting in an increased susceptibility to lethal hypothermia during acute cold challenge. Moreover, in mice with inducible ablation of <i>Fam210a</i> in adipocytes (<i>Fam210</i>^{<em>iAKO</em>}), mitochondrial alterations in BAT were negligible at thermoneutral conditions; however, they exhibited defective cold-induced mitochondrial cristae remodeling, culminating in a progressive loss of cristae and diminished mitochondrial density. Mechanistically, it was determined that FAM210A interacts with mitochondrial protease YME1L and modulates its activity toward OMA1 and OPA1 cleavage, thus compromising cold-induced mitochondrial remodeling in BAT.</p><p dir="ltr">Additionally, this research delved into the role of FAM210A in adipocytes in response to dietary stress by feeding mice with high-fat diet (HFD). The study found a consistent correlation between FAM210A expression and OPA1 cleavage in adipocytes under HFD challenge. Mice lacking FAM210A in all adipocytes and subjected to HFD exhibited lipoatrophy in white adipose tissue (WAT) and a downregulation of genes associated with adipogenesis and lipid metabolism. In contrast, mice with a brown adipocyte-specific ablation of <i>Fam210a </i>(<i>Fam210a</i>^<em>UKO</em>) displayed no significant change in WAT mass but had enlarged livers. Crucially, both <i>Fam210a</i>^<em>AKO</em> and <i>Fam210a</i>^<em>UKO</em> mice presented increased WAT inflammation, deteriorated glucose tolerance, and exacerbated insulin resistance. These findings underscore the pivotal role of FAM210A in brown adipose tissue (BAT) in the preservation of WAT homeostasis and the regulation of systemic glucose clearance in diet-induced obesity.</p><p dir="ltr">In summary, these studies characterize the mitochondrial dynamics in brown adipocytes in response to cold stress, identify a new cold-induced mitochondrial protein, FAM210A, and uncover its functions in adipocytes under cold and dietary stresses. These findings highlight the importance of mitochondrial remodeling in the adaptive response of adipocytes to evolving metabolic demands. This work establishes FAM210A as a key regulator of mitochondrial cristae remodeling, shedding light on the mechanisms that govern mitochondrial plasticity in adipocytes.</p>

Adipose tissue expansion involves both differentiation of new precursors and size increase of mature adipocytes. While the two processes are well balanced in healthy tissues, obesity and diabetes type II are associated with abnormally enlarged adipocytes and excess lipid accumulation. Previous studies suggested a link between cell stiffness, volume and stem cell differentiation, although in the context of preadipocytes, there have been contradictory results regarding stiffness changes with differentiation. Thus, we set out to quantitatively monitor adipocyte shape and size changes with differentiation and lipid accumulation. We quantified by optical diffraction tomography that differentiating preadipocytes increased their volumes drastically. Atomic force microscopy (AFM)-indentation and -microrheology revealed that during the early phase of differentiation, human preadipocytes became more compliant and more fluid-like, concomitant with ROCK-mediated F-actin remodelling. Adipocytes that had accumulated large lipid droplets were more compliant, and further promoting lipid accumulation led to an even more compliant phenotype. In line with that, high fat diet-induced obesity was associated with more compliant adipose tissue compared to lean animals, both for drosophila fat bodies and murine gonadal adipose tissue. In contrast, adipose tissue of diabetic mice became significantly stiffer as shown not only by AFM but also magnetic resonance elastography. Altogether, we dissect relative contributions of the cytoskeleton and lipid droplets to cell and tissue mechanical changes across different functional states, such as differentiation, nutritional state and disease. Our work therefore sets the basis for future explorations on how tissue mechanical changes influence the behaviour of mechanosensitive tissue-resident cells in metabolic disorders.

Au cours des dernières années, il est devenu évident que les sociétés des pays industrialisés sont à haut risque de maladies métaboliques. Une alimentation riche en énergie (lipide/glucide), combinée à une sédentarité accrue, est un facteur environnemental contribuant à l'augmentation de la prévalence de maladies reliées spécifiquement à des troubles endocriniens comme l'obésité et le diabète. Le traitement de ces désordres métaboliques doit donc passer par la connaissance et la compréhension des mécanismes moléculaires qui contrôlent ces désordres et le développement de traitements ciblés vers les facteurs responsables. Le tissu adipeux est une glande endocrine qui sécrète des substances, regroupées sous le terme d'adipokines, qui contrôlent l'homéostasie énergétique. L'augmentation de la masse adipeuse est responsable du développement de dérégulation hormonale qui mène à des dysfonctions physiologiques et métaboliques. Pour contrecarrer le développement démesuré du tissu adipeux, la signalisation insulinique ainsi que l’apport énergétique, responsables de la différenciation adipocytaire, doivent être inhibés. In vivo, la leptine, adipokine dont la concentration est corrélée à la masse adipeuse, présente des actions pro ou anti-insuliniques dans l’organisme pour réguler ce phénomène. Elle favorise l’effet inhibiteur de l’insuline sur la synthèse hépatique de glucose alors qu’elle s’oppose à son action sur l’expression des enzymes glucokinase et phosphoénol-pyruvate carboxykinase. La leptine influence aussi le taux circulant de triglycérides en diminuant sa concentration plasmatique. D'autre part, l'adiponectine, adipokine insulino- sensibilisante, voit sa sécrétion diminuée avec la prise de poids. La sensibilité à l'insuline est ainsi diminuée au fur et à mesure que le débalancement de ces deux adipokines s'accentue. La résistance à l'insuline s'installe alors pour s'opposer au stockage énergétique et à la prise illimitée de poids et la glycémie augmente. L'augmentation du glucose sanguin stimule la sécrétion d'insuline au niveau des cellules pancréatiques. C'est le diabète caractérisé par une hyperglycémie et une résistance à l'insuline. Le diabète, une des premières causes de mortalité dans le monde, est plus répandu sous sa forme non insulinodépendante (diabète de type 2, DT2) liée à l'obésité. Récemment, différents facteurs de transcription ont été identifiés comme régulateurs de l'expression d'une panoplie de gènes impliqués dans le métabolisme glucidique et lipidique. Parmi eux, les récepteurs des inducteurs de la prolifération des peroxysomes (PPAR, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor), appartenant à la famille des récepteurs nucléaires. Les PPAR ont été démontrés comme ayant un rôle central dans le contrôle de la transcription des gènes codants pour des protéines impliquées dans le métabolisme : les adipokines. PPARg, en plus de son implication dans le contrôle de l'homéostasie glucidique et lipidique, est reconnu comme étant un facteur de transcription pivot régulant l'adipogenèse du fait de son expression majeure dans le tissu adipeux. D'autre part, il est bien établi maintenant que l'obésité et le diabète sont des facteurs contribuant au développement du processus inflammatoire vasculaire caractéristique de l’athérosclérose. En effet, les cellules endothéliales et musculaires lisses, principales composantes de la média de l’artère, sont très sensibles aux altérations métaboliques. Une diminution de la sensibilité à l’insuline entraine une réduction de la disponibilité du glucose et l’utilisation des acides gras comme alternatif par ces cellules. Ceci induit l’accumulation des acides gras oxydés dans l’intima et leur filtration dans la média pour former un core lipidique. Bien que l’induction de la dysfonction endothéliale soit impliquée très précocement, certaines études pointent l’accumulation lipidique dans les cellules musculaires lisses vasculaires (CML) et leur dysfonction comme déclencheurs de l’athérosclérose. Ce travail visait donc, dans un premier temps, à développer un modèle d'altérations métaboliques liées à la modulation de l'activité du tissu adipeux via une alimentation riche en lipides. Dans un second temps, cette étude tentait d'évaluer l’impact des adipocytes de souris sur les CML vasculaires et sur la modulation de leurs fonctions dans ce modèle d'altérations métaboliques et DT2 liés à l'alimentation et à l'obésité. Ainsi, par le biais de deux diètes pauvres en cholestérol à profil lipidique différent, nous avons développé un modèle murin présentant divers stades d'altérations du métabolisme allant jusqu'au DT2 en lien avec l'obésité chez les mâles et chez les femelles. D’autre part, des signes de cardiomyopathie ainsi qu’une modulation du taux des adipokines sont reliés à ces mêmes diètes. Parallèlement, l’activité de PPAR!2 est modulée chez les souris sous diètes enrichies en gras. Ensuite, nous avons démontré que les adipocytes, provenant de souris alimentées avec une diète enrichie en gras, modulaient la migration et la prolifération des CML comparativement au groupe contrôle. Ces modulations dépendaient en grande partie de la nature de la diète consommée, mais également du sexe de la souris. Par ailleurs, les altérations fonctionnelles des CML, couplées à des modulations géniques, sont associées aux changements du profil de sécrétion des adipokines mesurées chez les adipocytes. L’ensemble de ces travaux suggère une action directe de la nature de la stimulation du tissu adipeux blanc dans la modulation du profil de sécrétion des adipokines et l'induction du DT2 in vivo. Ces altérations de la physiologie adipocytaire se reflètent in vitro où le tissu adipeux contribue aux altérations physiopathologiques des CML liées au DT2. Ainsi, cette étude est l'une des premières à établir un lien direct entre les modulations adipocytaires et les effets de leurs sécrétions sur la physiologie des CML. Ces observations peuvent être exploitées cliniquement dans un développement futur d’outils thérapeutiques visant à prévenir et à traiter les troubles métaboliques et le DT2, en ciblant le tissu adipeux comme entité métabolique et endocrine. / Obesity is recognized as a risk factor to a variety of chronic diseases linked to the metabolic syndrome like atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes (T2D), and is a major cause of increased risk of morbidity and mortality worldwide. High fat diets (HFD) coupled with sedentarity in the industrialized societies contribute to the raise of metabolic alterations prevalence specifically linked to endocrine troubles. Treatment of these latter should include the comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying these disorders in order to appropriately target factors responsible for the disease establishment. Adipose tissue is no longer considered as a passive organ which only stores lipids, but also works as an active gland that secretes several bioactive substances called adipokines. Among them, there are key factors known to play a pivotal role in the regulation of glucose and lipid homeostasis, lipid storage, adipogenesis. They are also recognized for their control of a wide range of cell type like adipocytes, hepatocytes and skeletal myocytes. Accumulation of adipose tissue in obesity, linked with the type as much as the amount of dietary lipids, is due to hyperplasia and hypertrophy of adipocytes. These changes are associated with modification in their secretion and inflammatory profile. To counteract excessive fat tissue development, insulin signalling known for its role in adipogenesis is inhibited. Thus, leptin is secreted by adipocytes to inhibit insulin action and the insulin sensitizer adipokine, adiponectin, is down regulated. The two factors are correlated to weight gain and their respective secretion profile is upregulated for leptin and down regulated for adiponectin. Insulin resistance is developed to prevent energetic storage and unlimited weight gain but glycemic control fails and glycaemia raises. Hyperglycaemia stimulates more insulin secretion, a characteristic of T2D linked to obesity. An estimated 80% of those who develop T2D are obese. Obesity induces important and complex changes, not only in glycemic homeostasis but also in the adipocytes. Following fatty acids (FA) stimulation, the main ligand-activated transcriptional factor that controls adipose tissue metabolism and adipokine secretion, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARg), is activated. This nuclear receptor subtype regroups two isoforms: PPARg1, expressed in many tissues (adipose tissue, muscle, heart and liver) where it controls glucose and lipid homeostasis, and PPARg2, the adipocyte’s specific form, which further governs preadipocyte differentiation, up-regulation of genes involved in lipogenesis and the expression of adipokines. Recent advances showed that increased FA and glycaemia trigger vascular alterations that lead to atherosclerosis. In fact, endothelial cells (EC) and smooth muscle cells (SMC), the main arterial components, are sensitive to metabolic alterations. A lack in insulin sensitivity, leading to lower glucose availability, forces arterial cells to use FA as alternative energy source. Thus, in atheroprone regions susceptible to plaque formation, EC and SMC are subjected to metabolic modifications that lead to oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) accumulation in the intima and the progression of vascular disease. Many studies confirmed that the presence of SMC in the atherosclerotic plaque originates from the vascular wall but are showing a distinct phenotype. Even if the role of these cells in atherogenesis is not clear, trans-differentiation of SMC into foam cells has been reported in vitro. Thus, the present study aims at studying a HFD-induced obesity mouse model, developed to evaluate the impact of FA nature on the adipokine secretion profile of adipocytes. We also intended to determine gender-specific impact on modulation of metabolic disorders in response to those diets. On the other hand, we aim to determine the role of adipocytes in the development of obesity-linked atherosclerosis. For that, the second part of this study targeted the effect of adipocytes isolated from mice fed with HFD on SMC physiology. We focused our investigation on the effects of adipocytes regardless of the impact of other cell types in the adipose tissue. To reach our goal, we developed a HFD-fed mouse preparation demonstrating different stages of metabolic disorders leading to T2D. This model allowed us to generate adipocytes with different alteration status, reflected by the modulation of their adipokine secretion profile. Modifications in adipokine secretions were associated with PPAR!2 modulation. These results, reported in both genders, were delayed in female who expressed higher levels of estrogen receptor alpha (ER"). Then, the adipocytes were used to produce conditioned cultured media. To decipher the mechanistic contributions of HFD in adipokines modulation, the potential of adipocytes to induce SMC pathophysiologic disorders was evaluated in SMC stimulated by conditioned cultured media. This protocol enables the transposition of diet-induced fat cell modifications into extended alterations in the physiology of vascular SMC. These results strongly support pro-atherogenic effects of abdominal adipocytes on an important vascular component function through paracrine actions. Thus, adipocytes can be recognized as a link between the pathogenic potential of obesity and the impairments of SMC functions. A better understanding of the pathogenic effects of the adipose tissue on other tissues and organ systems might assist to develop better strategies in treating obesity- induced cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.