Relationship between Epicardial and Coronary Adipose Tissue and the Expression of Adiponectin, Leptin, and Interleukin 6 in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease.

Adipose tissue (AT) is an endocrine and paracrine organ that synthesizes biologically active adipocytokines, which affect inflammation, fibrosis, and atherogenesis. Epicardial and perivascular fat depots are of great interest to researchers, owing to their potential effects on the myocardium and blood vessels. The aim of the study was to assess the expression and secretion of adipocytokine genes in the AT of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and patients with aortic or mitral valve replacement.