Pathogenic gene expression of epicardial adipose tissue in patients with coronary artery disease.

Background & Objectives: Coronary artery disease (CAD), a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide has multifactorial origin. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) has complex mechanical and thermogenic functions and paracrine actions via various cytokines released by it, which can have both pro- and anti-inflammatory actions on myocardium and adjacent coronaries. The alteration of EAT gene expression in CAD is speculated, but poorly understood.