Abstract
Obesity is the result of an energy imbalance caused by an increased ratio of caloric intake to energy expenditure. In conjunction with obesity, related metabolic disorders, such as dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and type 2 diabetes, have become global health problems. Obesity progression is thought to be associated with angiogenesis and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. Angiogenesis occurs in growing adult adipose tissues, which are similar to neoplastic tissues. Adipose tissue is highly vascularized, and each adipocyte is nourished by an extensive capillary network. Adipocytes produce proangiogenic factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor A and fibroblast growth factor 2, which promote neovascularization within the adipose tissue. Furthermore, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-2 and MMP-9, play important roles in adipose tissue development and microvessel maturation by modifying the ECM. Thus, modulation of angiogenesis and MMP activity provides a promising therapeutic approach for controlling human obesity and its related disorders. Over the past decade, there has been a great increase in the use of alternative treatments, such as herbal remedies, for these diseases. This review will focus on the role of angiogenesis in adipose tissue growth and the regulation of obesity by antiangiogenic herbal medicines.
Highlights
Obesity is characterized by increased adipose tissue mass that results from both increased adipocyte number and size [1]
Development of obesity is associated with extensive modifications in adipose tissue, which involves adipogenesis, angiogenesis, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) [2]
The obese state is associated with white adipose tissue dysfunction, including adipocyte hypertrophy, adipocyte death, macrophage infiltration, and elevated inflammatory cytokines [24,25] Chronic inflammation leads to the development and progression of several cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, breast, lung, and liver [26,27,28,29,30]
Summary
Obesity is characterized by increased adipose tissue mass that results from both increased adipocyte number (hyperplasia) and size (hypertrophy) [1]. Development of obesity is associated with extensive modifications in adipose tissue, which involves adipogenesis, angiogenesis, and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) [2]. The formation of new blood vessels is required for the growth and development of adipose tissue to provide oxygen and nutrients to adipocytes [7,8]. The obese state is associated with white adipose tissue dysfunction, including adipocyte hypertrophy, adipocyte death, macrophage infiltration, and elevated inflammatory cytokines [24,25] Chronic inflammation leads to the development and progression of several cancers, such as colorectal, gastric, breast, lung, and liver [26,27,28,29,30]. Based on our previously published results that demonstrate the actions of antiangiogenic herbs against obesity, this review will discuss the regulatory role of angiogenesis in adipose tissue and the use of antiangiogenic herbal medicines for the regulation of adipose tissue growth
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