Open AccessPeriaortic Adipose Tissue and Aortic Dimensions in the F ramingham Heart Study
Author(s) -
Thanassoulis George,
Massaro Joseph M.,
Corsini Erin,
Rogers Ian,
Schlett Christopher L.,
Meigs James B.,
Hoffmann Udo,
O'Donnell Christopher J.,
Fox Caroline S.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of the american heart association
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.494
H-Index - 85
ISSN - 2047-9980
DOI - 10.1161/jaha.112.000885
Subject(s) - medicine , adipose tissue , framingham heart study , cardiology , adiponectin , aorta , adipokine , abdomen , thoracic aorta , thorax (insect anatomy) , intra abdominal fat , framingham risk score , anatomy , leptin , obesity , disease , visceral fat , insulin resistance
Background Periaortic fat, because of its contiguity with the aorta, may promote vascular remodeling and aortic dilatation. However, the relations between perioartic fat depots and aortic dimensions have not been previously described. Methods and Results A total of 3001 individuals (mean age 50±10 years, 49% women) from the F ramingham O ffspring and T hird G eneration cohorts underwent computed tomography for quantification of periaortic fat and aortic dimensions. We estimated the association between quantitative periaortic and visceral adipose tissue volumes (per standard deviation [ SD ] increment of volume) with aortic dimensions in both the thorax and abdomen. Thoracic periaortic fat was associated with higher thoracic aortic dimensions (β coefficient per SD of fat volume 0.67 mm, 95% confidence interval 0.58 to 0.76 mm; P <0.001). The association persisted after adjustment for age, sex, and cardiovascular risk factors including body mass index and visceral adipose tissue volume. Results for the association of periaortic fat and abdominal aortic dimensions were similar. Further adjustment for adipokines (resistin and adiponectin) had no significant impact on these associations. Conclusions Periaortic fat volume was associated with aortic dimensions in both the thorax and abdomen, supporting the notion that local fat depots may contribute to aortic remodeling. Further work to understand the mechanisms underlying this association is warranted.