Relationships between perivascular adipose tissue and vascular wall remodeling: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The pooled analysis revealed a stronger correlation between cfPWV, AI, and the density of thoracic periaortic adipose tissue.

• Correlation coefficient r = 0.56, p < 0.05, n = 14
• The association was found between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and augmentation index (AI) with thoracic periaortic adipose tissue density
• Data were analyzed using a random-effects model
• Analysis was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines

Carotid extra-media thickness (EMT) was strongly correlated with average daily PWV in the aorta.

• Correlation coefficient r = 0.56, p < 0.05, n = 84
• This was identified as one of the stronger correlations in the pooled analysis
• Data were extracted from eight studies with 1244 participants total

Thoracic periaortic fat volume was positively correlated with cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI).

• Correlation coefficient r = 0.49, p < 0.05, n = 318
• This represented one of the notable associations found between PVAT measures and arterial stiffness indices
• Random-effects model was used for analysis

The systematic review and meta-analysis included data from eight studies with 1244 participants.

• Literature search was conducted via PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases
• Study was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines
• PROSPERO Registration No.: CRD42023443139
• Indices of vascular wall remodeling examined included PWV, augmentation index (AI), CAVI, endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDV), and intima-media thickness (IMT)

The association between ectopic fat and vascular stiffness had not been previously systematically reviewed prior to this study.

• The authors identified this as a gap in the literature, stating 'the association between ectopic fat and vascular stiffness is poorly studied and has never been systematically reviewed'
• The review focused specifically on perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) and its relationship to vascular wall remodeling and arterial stiffness

PVAT was found to be associated with vascular wall remodeling in both patients with cardiovascular risk factors and in healthy individuals.

• The results demonstrated the association between PVAT and vascular wall remodeling across different population groups
• The authors emphasized the need for early detection of dysfunctional PVAT as a contributor to higher cardiovascular risk
• The association was noted to be relevant 'not only in patients with risk factors and cardiovascular diseases, but also in healthy individuals'