Adipokines of Epicardial Adipose Tissue and Atherosclerosis of Coronary Arteries

The Role of Adipokines Secreted by Epicardial Adipose Tissue in the Atherosclerosis of Coronary Arteries

The aim of the study is to investigate whether the expression and production of adipokines secreted by the epicardial adipose tissue correlate with the degree of coronary atherosclerosis.

The aim of the study is to investigate whether the expression and production of four adipokines [adiponectin, omenin-1, resistin and retinol binding protein-4 (RBP4)] secreted by the epicardial adipose tissue correlate with the degree of coronary atherosclerosis. Specifically, this study aims to investigate whether the expression and production of these adipokines is different between two sites of the heart, that are perfused by coronary arteries with different degrees of stenosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

1) Individuals undergoing cardiac surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years
• HbA1c > 7.0%
• Any change of antidiabetic medication the previous 3 months before the surgery
• GFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2
• Liver disease
• Cancer
• Non-treated hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
• Autoimmune disease
• Infection
• Any change in body weight at least 5% the previous 3 months before surgery
• Significant dehydration.
• Taking any of the following drugs the previous 3 months before surgery: hormones, antiobesity drugs