Abdominal Fat Poses Greater Risk to Blood Vessels Than Subcutaneous Fat, Study Finds

Recent research from the German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) and the University Medical Center Göttingen has revealed that the location of excess body fat significantly influences vascular health. Led by Prof. Andreas Fischer and Dr. Sana Hasan, the study demonstrates that abdominal fat, or visceral fat, causes more damage to blood vessels compared to fat stored under the skin, known as subcutaneous fat.

Obesity's impact on blood vessel health varies depending on where fat accumulates. The team discovered that white adipose tissue in the abdomen responds differently to overnutrition than subcutaneous fat. Specifically, visceral fat promotes vascular remodeling—a process where blood vessel structure changes—leading to increased inflammation and functional disorders. In contrast, subcutaneous fat contains fenestrated endothelial cells, with tiny 'windows' that support healthy tissue in normal conditions. However, these cells diminish significantly in obesity, compromising blood vessel integrity.

This vascular remodeling initiates earlier than previously understood and differs notably based on fat location. The findings highlight the importance of blood vessels in obesity-related diseases, shifting some research focus toward vascular changes as a central factor.

The study also emphasizes the role of VEGFA, a critical signaling molecule that sustains vascular health. Reduced VEGFA levels, often due to long-term high-fat diets, can lead to deterioration of blood vessel structure and function. These mechanisms are observable not only in animal models but also in human fat tissue, suggesting new avenues for therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving vascular health in obese individuals.

Published in Nature Communications, this research combines advanced single-cell analysis, imaging, and genetic experiments to deepen understanding of how obesity impacts blood vessels. Such insights could pave the way for targeted therapies to improve blood vessel function and prevent secondary health issues like diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Overall, this study underscores the significance of fat distribution in cardiovascular risk and highlights potential strategies to mitigate vascular damage caused by obesity.