Epicardial Fat Research Articles

Echocardiographic assessment of epicardial adipose tissue thickness as independent predictor in coronary artery disease.

This study aimed to assess the utility of echocardiography-measured epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) thickness (EATT) as an independent predictor for coronary artery disease (CAD), examining its correlation with oxidative stress levels in epicardial tissue and the complexity of the disease in patients undergoing open-heart surgery. This study included a total of 25 patients referred for cardiac surgery with 14 in the CAD group and 11 in the non-CAD group. Epicardial fat was sampled from patients subjected to open-heart surgery. EATT was higher in the CAD group compared to the non-CAD group (8.15±2.09mm vs. 5.12±1.8mm, p=0.001). The epicardial reactive oxygen species level was higher in the CAD group compared to the non-CAD group (21.4±2.47nmol H2O2/g tisssue/h vs. 15.7±1.55nmol H2O2/g tisssue/h, p<0.001). EATT greater than 6.05mm was associated with CAD, with a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 73%. Echocardiographically measured EATT is a significant, independent predictor of CAD. Its relationship with increased EAT oxidative stress levels suggests a potential mechanistic link between EATT and CAD pathogenesis. These findings highlight the importance of EATT as a diagnostic tool in assessing the complexity of CAD in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Efficacy of balloon-expandable extreme-low-temperature ventricular epicardial cryoablation: A preclinical proof of concept evaluation

BackgroundCurrent epicardial ablation technologies are limited by the inability to create adequate depth lesions and risk of collateral injury to extracardiac structures. ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of ventricular epicardial ablation with a novel balloon-expandable extreme-low-temperature (XLT) cryoablation catheter with an embedded insulation pontoon for protection of extracardiac structures, which has been specifically designed for epicardial ablation. MethodsTen healthy swine underwent surgical (n = 6) and subxiphoid percutaneous (n = 4) epicardial access. A total of 3–6 sites were targeted in the right and left ventricular wall for different exposure durations. Ablation was performed with a large footprint (surgical) and smaller footprint (percutaneous) version of the HeartPad (Corfigo Inc., Montclair, NJ) XLT system. The system consists of the balloon-expandable cryoablation catheter and a console. The console vaporizes liquid helium (–269°C) and controls continuous delivery of extremely cold helium gas at high flow rates through a high-efficiency ablation element mounted on an expandable insulation pontoon to protect extracardiac structures. Ablation lesions were assessed by gross pathology and histologic examination. ResultsA total of 42 epicardial lesions were created. Mean lesion depth increased progressively with ablation time (surgical catheter: 11 ± 2 mm at ≤30 seconds, 13 ± 4 mm at 60 seconds, 15 ± 3 mm at ≥120 seconds, P = .001; percutaneous catheter: 10 ± 2 mm at 30 seconds, 14 ± 2 mm at 60 seconds, 16 ± 2 mm at 120 seconds, P = .001). Lesion geometry seemed unaffected by presence and thickness of epicardial fat. One episode of ventricular fibrillation occurred after ablation over the atrioventricular groove and 2 adjacent obtuse marginal arteries. ConclusionSurgical or percutaneous epicardial ablation using the HeartPad XLT cryoablation system is feasible and can efficiently produce deep ventricular lesions in different epicardial locations.

Epicardial adipose tissue and muscle distribution affect outcomes in very old patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

To analyse the relevance of body composition and blood markers for long-term outcomes in very old patients after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). A total of 403 very old patients were characterized with regard to subcutaneous, visceral, and epicardial fat, psoas muscle area, plasma growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), and leptin. Cohorts grouped by body mass index (BMI) were analysed for long-term outcomes. Patients underwent transapical and transfemoral TAVR (similar 30-day/1-year survival). Body mass index >35 kg/m2 showed increased 2- and 3-year mortality compared with BMI 25-34.9 kg/m2 but not compared with BMI <25 kg/m2. Fat areas correlated positively to BMI (epicardial: R 2 = 0.05, P < 0.01; visceral: R 2 = 0.20, P < 0.001; subcutaneous: R 2 = 0.13, P < 0.001). Increased epicardial or visceral but not subcutaneous fat area resulted in higher long-term mortality. Patients with high BMI (1781.3 mm2 ± 75.8, P < 0.05) and lean patients (1729.4 ± 52.8, P < 0.01) showed lower psoas muscle area compared with those with mildly elevated BMI (2055.2 ± 91.7). Reduced psoas muscle area and increased visceral fat and epicardial fat areas were independent predictors of long-term mortality. The levels of serum GDF-15 were the highest in BMI >40 kg/m2 (2793.5 pg/mL ± 123.2) vs. BMI <25 kg/m2 (2017.6 pg/mL ±130.8), BMI 25-30 kg/m2 (1881.8 pg/mL ±127.4), or BMI 30-35 kg/m2 (2054.2 pg/mL ±124.1, all P < 0.05). Increased GDF-15 level predicted mortality (2587 pg/mL, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.94). Serum leptin level increased with BMI without predictive value for long-term mortality. Morbidly visceral and epicardial fat accumulation, reduction in muscle area, and GDF-15 increase are strong predictors of adverse outcomes in very old patients post-TAVR.

Fetal epicardial fat thickness and modified myocardial performance index in late-onset fetal growth restriction.

In our study, we aimed to investigate the value of fetal epicardial fat thickness (EFT) and modified myocardial performance index (mod-MPI) in fetal growth restriction (FGR) that develops after the 32nd week of gestation. Fifty-six pregnant women who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in the study and were divided into two groups: pregnancies diagnosed with FGR after the 32nd week of gestation (FGR group) and those without (control group). Demographic and obstetric histories, ultrasonographic and clinical characteristics, fetal EFT and mod-MPI values, and neonatal outcomes of the groups were recorded, and comparisons were made between the groups. Additionally, the diagnostic performance of fetal EFT value in late FGR was investigated. The FGR group had fetal EFT that was statistically significantly lower (1.11 ± 0.21 vs. 1.34 ± 0.23, p = 0.001). The FGR group had a significantly lower isovolumetric contraction time (ICT) (31.04 ± 6.88 vs. 35.14 ± 7.58, p = 0.048). The two groups' isovolumetric relaxation time (IRT), ejection time (ET), and mod-MPI values (p values 0.871, 0.55, and 0.750, respectively) were comparable. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis at a cutoff of 1.2 revealed 76.1% sensitivity and 74.2% specificity, respectively, for the diagnostic performance of the fetal EFT value in late-onset FGR. There was a positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 64.0% and 83.8%, respectively. We found that fetal EFT was significantly lower in FGR and may be useful in diagnosing FGR. However, we observed that mode-MPI did not change in FGR.

Epicardial and liver fat implications in albuminuria: a retrospective study

BackgroundAlbuminuria is considered an early and sensitive marker of kidney dysfunction, but also an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Considering the possible relationship among metabolic liver disease, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease, we aimed to evaluate the risk of developing albuminuria regarding the presence of epicardial adipose tissue and the steatotic liver disease status.MethodsA retrospective long-term longitudinal study including 181 patients was carried out. Epicardial adipose tissue and steatotic liver disease were assessed by computed tomography. The presence of albuminuria at follow-up was defined as the outcome.ResultsAfter a median follow up of 11.2 years, steatotic liver disease (HR 3.15; 95% CI, 1.20–8.26; p = 0.02) and excess amount of epicardial adipose tissue (HR 6.12; 95% CI, 1.69–22.19; p = 0.006) were associated with an increased risk of albuminuria after adjustment for visceral adipose tissue, sex, age, weight status, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, arterial hypertension, and cardiovascular prevention treatment at baseline. The presence of both conditions was associated with a higher risk of developing albuminuria compared to having steatotic liver disease alone (HR 5.91; 95% CI 1.15–30.41, p = 0.033). Compared with the first tertile of visceral adipose tissue, the proportion of subjects with liver steatosis and abnormal epicardial adipose tissue was significantly higher in the second and third tertile. We found a significant correlation between epicardial fat and steatotic liver disease (rho = 0.43 [p < 0.001]).ConclusionsIdentification and management/decrease of excess adiposity must be a target in the primary and secondary prevention of chronic kidney disease development and progression. Visceral adiposity assessment may be an adequate target in the daily clinical setting. Moreover, epicardial adipose tissue and steatotic liver disease assessment may aid in the primary prevention of renal dysfunction.

Deleterious role of free fatty acid and ceramide species in the alterations induced by epicardial fat from diabetic patients on cardiomyocyte function

Deleterious role of free fatty acid and ceramide species in the alterations induced by epicardial fat from diabetic patients on cardiomyocyte function

Impact of epicardial fat on coronary vascular function, cardiac morphology, and cardiac function in women with suspected INOCA.

Epicardial fat is a metabolically active adipose tissue depot situated between the myocardium and visceral pericardium that covers ∼80% of the heart surface. While epicardial fat has been associated with the development of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, less is known about the relationship between epicardial fat and coronary vascular function. Moreover, the relations between excess epicardial fat and cardiac morphology and function remain incompletely understood. To address these knowledge gaps, we retrospectively analysed data from 294 individuals from our database of women with suspected ischaemia with no obstructive coronary disease (INOCA) who underwent both invasive coronary function testing and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging. Epicardial fat area, biventricular morphology, and function, as well as left atrial function, were assessed from cine images, per established protocols. The major novel findings were two-fold: first, epicardial fat area was not associated with coronary vascular dysfunction. Secondly, epicardial fat was associated with increased left ventricular concentricity (β = 0.15, P = 0.01), increased septal thickness (β = 0.17, P = 0.002), and reduced left atrial conduit fraction (β = -0.15, P = 0.02), even after accounting for age, BMI, and history of hypertension. Taken together, these data do not support a measurable relationship between epicardial fat and coronary vascular dysfunction but do suggest that epicardial fat may be related to concentric remodelling and diastolic dysfunction in women with suspected INOCA. Prospective studies are needed to elucidate the long-term impact of epicardial fat in this patient population.

Impact of body mass index on the relationship of Epicardial fat volume to coronary artery disease in males

BackgroundEpicardial fat tissue refers to a type of visceral fat tissue that envelops the myocardial and visceral pericardium. It is recognized as a novel risk sign for cardiovascular issues, including coronary artery disease, our aim to assess the influence of body mass index on the amount of epicardial fat volume and its association with coronary artery disease in male patients.MethodsEpicardial fat volume was quantified using cardiac Computed tomography scans in a cohort of 119 male patients who were believed to have coronary artery disease. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their body mass index values: Group I Body Mass Index (BMI ≥ 18.5–24.9 kg/m2), Group II (BMI ≥ 25–29.9 kg/m2), and Group III (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2).ResultsIn Group I, there were twenty-three patients (19.3%) with a mean epicardial fat volume of 40 ± .42.8 ml. In Group II, there were forty-three patients (36%) with a mean Epicardial Fat Volume (EFV) of 56 ± 21.5 ml. In Group III, there were 53 patients (44%) with a mean EFV of 56 ± 15.8 ml, when compared to the results of Group I, which were considerably higher (p = 0.0004). Regarding prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease in our patient population, 86 individuals (72.3%) were diagnosed with obstructive coronary artery disease and exhibited a tendency to have a greater value of epicardial fat volume at 56.4 ± 18.9 ml, with a range of 19–121 ml, compared to those without coronary artery disease at 45.2 ± 6.7 ml, with a range of 33–55 ml (P < 0.02). The prevalence of coronary artery disease was 85% in group III and 87% in group II. Patients in group III with coronary artery disease exhibited a substantially higher EFV of 46 ± 6.63 vs 16 ± 3.2 ml (p = 0.001) compared to those without obstructive coronary artery disease.ConclusionsAlthough epicardial fat volume was elevated in patients with coronary artery disease independent of their BMI, the predictive ability of epicardial fat volume for coronary artery disease was more pronounced in individuals with a body mass index more than 25 kg/m2.

Exploring the interplay between epicardial fat, coronary artery calcium score, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through non-ECG-gated chest computed tomography: A cross-sectional study.

This study examines the relationships between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and coronary artery calcium score (CACS) using non-ECG-gated CT scans. It aims to determine the effectiveness of EAT measurements and NAFLD as predictors for coronary artery disease (CAD). This cross-sectional study was conducted at a specialized center, focusing on individuals who underwent non-ECG-gated chest CT scans without contrast. We evaluated EAT thickness and density in three areas: the right atrioventricular groove, the free wall of the right ventricle, and the central area of the right anterior interventricular groove. Additionally, we measured CACS and determined the presence of NAFLD by comparing liver-to-spleen density ratios. Statistical analyses, including regression models, were performed using SPSS (version 26). In this study, we enrolled 365 participants, including 203 males with an average age of 47 ± 17.93 years. EAT thickness was 6.28 ± 1.62 mm, and EAT density was -96.07 ± 12.47 Hounsfield units (HU). The mean CACS was 22.27 ± 79.01, and the mean liver density was 50.01 ± 10.76 HU. A significant positive correlation was observed between EAT thickness and CACS (r = 0.208, p < 0.001). EAT density showed a significant negative correlation with CACS (r = -0.155, p = 0.003). No correlation was found between NAFLD and CACS. Univariate logistic regression analysis identified significant predictors of increased CACS, including EAT thickness (OR: 1.803), EAT density (OR: 0.671), diabetes mellitus (DM) (OR: 5.921), and hypertension (HTN) (OR: 7.414). Multivariate analysis confirmed the significance of EAT thickness (OR: 0.682), DM (OR: 3.66), and HTN (OR: 2.79) as predictors of elevated CACS. Our findings demonstrate that increased EAT thickness and decreased density are associated with higher CACS. Also, both DM and HTN significantly contribute to increased CACS. These results support the inclusion of EAT measurements in cardiovascular risk assessment models to enhance diagnostic accuracy.

Epicardial fat thickness in rheumatoid arthritis: Insights from echocardiographic analysis and autoimmune correlations.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that primarily affects the joints. RA is associated with high cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. One of the new markers of cardiometabolic risk is epicardial fat thickness, the study of EFT in patients with RA and its association with echocardiographic parameters may provide valuable insight into the potential cardiac involvement and overall cardiovascular risk in these patients. The present study is a cross-sectional study with a comparison group conducted in 2024. The study population included 66 RA patients and 66 healthy participants. Echocardiographic parameters, laboratory data including lipid profile and inflammatory markers, were obtained from the medical record. Comparison of echocardiographic parameters between RA and healthy participants showed that E parameter and EFT were statistically significant in RA patients. (EFT was 5.22 ± 2.6 in RA patients which in comparison with healthy participant (5.22 ± 2.06) was statistically significant (p-value: <.001)). Also, EFT was correlated with RF, Anti-CCP, ESR, and systolic blood pressure. To the best of our knowledge, ours is the first EFT study on RA patients in Iran, which shows a higher EFT in RA patients. High EFT is correlated with more cardiovascular events and is an early sign and independent predictor of atherosclerosis in RA patients, which greatly underlines the importance of cardiovascular assessment in RA patients.

Sudden Cardiac Death-Etiology, Risk Factors and Demographic Characteristics: An Extensive Study of 1618 Forensic Autopsies.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) is a major public health concern worldwide, affecting all age and social groups. In this retrospective study, of the 8265 autopsies performed in the Institute of Legal Medicine, 1618 cases of SCD were included. The aim of this study is to identify demographic characteristics, etiological factors, epidemiological characteristics and risk factors that lead to SCD. The highest incidence of SCD was in age group 40-69 years (65.0%), 71.6% of this age group being men. Of the total number, 32.1% (520) occurred in the emergency room. The most common cause of sudden death is represented by coronary atherosclerotic disease, reported in 89.8% (1453) of cases, tricoronary lesions being found in 60% (870) of cases. Etiological factors of SCD encountered during autopsies were acute myocardial infarction in 13.9% (225), dilated cardiomyopathy 43.9% (710), cardiac hypertrophy 579 (36.07%), pericarditis 1.9% (30), myocarditis 1.73% (28) and adipositas cordis 5% (81). Along with epicardial fat and BMI, alcohol consumption was recorded in 17.9% (290), this being a potential trigger. Based on forensic autopsy and histological findings, a wide variety of factors are involved in the etiopathogenesis of SCD, some of which can be eliminated through preventive measures implemented early.

Exploring the relationship between epicardial fat and coronary plaque burden and characteristics: insights from cardiac ct imaging.

Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) may enhance the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated the relationship between EAT density (a maker of local inflammation) and coronary plaque characteristics in stable CAD patients. This study included 123 individuals who underwent coronary artery calcium scan and coronary CT angiography to evaluate CAD. Plaque characteristics were analyzed by semi-automated software (QAngio, Leiden, Netherlands). Non-contrast CT scans were used to measure EAT density (HU) and volume (cc) (Philips, Cleveland, OH). Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the association of EAT density and volume with different plaque types. The mean (SD) age was 59.4±10.1 years, 53% were male, the mean (SD) EAT density was -77.2±4.6 HU and the volume was 118.5±41.2 cc. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, EAT density was associated with fibrous fatty (FF) plaque (p<0.03). A 1 unit increase in HU was associated with a 7% higher FF plaque, and lower EAT density is independently associated to FF plaque. The association between EAT density and fibrous (p=0.08), and total noncalcified (p=0.09) plaque trended toward but did not reach significance. There was no association between EAT volume and any plaque type. These results suggest that inflammatory EAT may promote coronary atherosclerosis. Therefore, non-contrast cardiac CT evaluation of EAT quality can help better assess cardiovascular risk.

Epicardial fat as a marker concentric geometry and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Epicardial fat as a marker concentric geometry and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.

Carbohydrate antigen 125 on epicardial fat and its association with local inflammation and fibrosis-related markers

BackgroundCarbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) is a proteolytic fragment of MUC-16 that is increased in heart failure (HF) and associated with inflammation, fluid overload, and worse adverse events. Our main objective was to study the expression of CA125 on epicardium and its association with inflammation, adipogenesis, and fibrosis.MethodsEpicardial fat biopsies and blood were obtained from 151 non-selected patients undergoing open heart surgery. Immunohistochemistry, ELISA, or real-time PCR were used for analyzing protein or mRNA expression levels of CA125 and markers of inflammatory cells, fibroblasts, and adipocytes. Epithelial or stromal cells from epicardium were isolated and cultured to identify CA125 and its association with the adipogenesis and fibrosis pathways, respectively.ResultsThe median age was 71 (63–74) years, 106 patients (70%) were male, and 62 (41%) had an established diagnosis of HF before surgery. The slice of epicardial fat biopsy determined a positive and colorimetric staining on the epithelial layer after incubating with the CA125 M11 antibody, providing the first description of CA125 expression in the human epicardium. Epicardial CA125 showed a strong and positive correlation with markers of inflammation and fibrosis in the epicardial fat tissue while exhibiting a negative correlation with markers of the adipogenesis pathway. This relationship remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders such as a prior HF diagnosis and plasma CA125 levels.ConclusionEpicardial cells express CA125, which is positively associated with inflammatory and fibroblast markers in epicardial adipose tissue. These results suggest that CA125 may be biologically involved in HF progression (transition from adipogenesis to fibrosis).Graphical

Statin Therapy Mitigates Oxidative Stress in Epicardial and Perivascular Adipose Tissue: A Pilot Study in Cardiac Surgery Patients

Epicardial and perivascular adipose tissues have gained significant attention in the past decade due to their involvement in complex metabolic shifts and inflammatory changes in cardiovascular diseases. Statins, the cornerstone of lipid-lowering therapy, have pleiotropic effects, including the potential of alleviating epicardial adipose dysfunction and inflammation, although their impact on local oxidative stress has received less scrutiny. This study was purported to assess the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in epicardial and perivascular fat samples harvested from patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery and who were treated or not with statins. Here, we report that patients chronically treated with statins (atorvastatin and rosuvastatin) exhibited significantly lower levels of ROS in their epicardial and perivascular adipose tissues. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed between adipose tissue oxidative stress and the diameter of the right ventricle. Larger studies are required to provide mechanistic insights regarding the sources of epicardial ROS and signal transduction pathways activated by statins.

Quantitative investigation of acute lesions created by ethanol infusion into the vein of Marshall

BackgroundEthanol infusion into the vein of Marshall (EIVOM) has been performed as an adjunctive atrial fibrillation therapy. However, the time course change, quantitative lesion investigation, and effects on epicardial fat pads and fractionated atrial electrograms created by EIVOM have never been investigated. ObjectiveThis study aimed to perform a quantitative analysis of lesions created by EIVOM. MethodsWe created voltage maps using a 3-dimensional mapping system immediately before and 30 minutes and 60 minutes after performing EIVOM to study the time course change in the lesions. We compared differences in the average contact force value required for successful conduction block in the Marshall vein area of patients with and without EIVOM. We also investigated effects of EIVOM on the area of complex fractionated atrial electrograms before and after EIVOM. We measured the total epicardial fat pad volume before and after EIVOM by computed tomography. ResultsVoltage was significantly reduced after EIVOM, and there were significant differences in voltage reduction between the control status and 30 minutes and 60 minutes after EIVOM (P < .05). The average contact force value was significantly lower with vs without EIVOM (P < .05). The total epicardial fat volume and complex fractionated atrial electrogram area also significantly decreased after EIVOM (P < .05). ConclusionEIVOM provided significant therapeutic effects on the left atrial tissue perpetuating atrial fibrillation, which was demonstrated by a quantitative analysis.

Effect of colchicine on progression of known coronary atherosclerosis in patients with STable CoROnary artery disease CoMpared to placebo (EKSTROM) trial—rationale and design

BackgroundCardiovascular disease is the major cause of mortality in the United States. Despite lifestyle modification and traditional risk factor control residual inflammatory risk remains an untreated concern. Colchicine is an oral, medication that has been used for gout, mediterranean fever and pericarditis for decades. In recent trials, colchicine has been shown to reduce major adverse cardiovascular events, however the mechanism of benefit remains unclear. The objective of the randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled EKSTROM trial is to evaluate the effects of colchicine 0.5mg/day on atherosclerotic plaque. MethodsEighty-four participants will be enrolled after obtaining informed consent and followed for 12 months. Eligible patients will be randomly assigned to colchicine 0.5mg/day or placebo in a 1:1 fashion as add-on to their standard of care. All participants will undergo coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) at baseline and at 12 months. ResultsAs of November 2023, the study is 100% enrolled with an expected end of study by the second quarter of 2024. The primary endpoint is change in low attenuation plaque volume as measured by CCTA. Secondary endpoints include change in volume of different plaque types (including total atheroma volume, noncalcified plaque volume, dense calcified plaque volume, remodeling index), change in inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, IL-18, hs-CRP), change in pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation, change in epicardial adipose tissue volume and attenuation and change in brachial flow mediated dilation. ConclusionEKSTROM is the first randomized study to assess the effects of colchicine on plaque progression, pericoronary and epicardial fat. EKSTROM will provide important information on the mechanistic effects of colchicine on the cardiovascular system. Trial registrationRegistry: clinicaltrials.gov, Registration Number: NCT06342609 url: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06342609?term=EKSTROM&rank=1

Relationship Between Epicardial Fat Measured by Multidetector Computed Tomography and Coronary Artery Disease assessed by CT angiography

Relationship Between Epicardial Fat Measured by Multidetector Computed Tomography and Coronary Artery Disease assessed by CT angiography

Epicardial Fat Thickness as a Predictor of Ventricular Extrasystoles

Epicardial Fat Thickness as a Predictor of Ventricular Extrasystoles

Triglyceride glucose index is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis and subclinical myocardial dysfunction in patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that, the triglyceride glucose index (TyG index) is related with the development of cardiovascular disease.AIM: Our novel study aimed to determine whether the TyG index measured at the time of diagnosis conducted on newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic individuals and the relationship between TyG index and carotid intima media thickness, as well as both myocardial functions and epicardial adipose tissue was investigated.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 105 individuals (58 F, 47 M; mean age 50.4±9.8 years) newly diagnosed with T2DM and 51 healthy subjects (30 females, 21 males, mean age 49.8±8.9 years) without any chronic disease as the control group. In addition to laboratory parameters, transthoracic echocardiography carotid intima-media thickness with linear vascular probe were examined in all individuals.RESULTS: TyG index was significantly higher in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic individuals compared to the controls. There was a positive correlation between the TyG index and carotid intima-media thickness, epicardial fat thickness, HbA1c, Homa-IR, body surface area, waist circumference, hip circumference, body mass index and CRP. When diastolic functions were considered, there was a negative correlation with E/A and a positive correlation with E/e’ septal. TyG index was also negatively correlated with EF. Regression analysis revealed that age and TyG index were associated with an increase in carotid IMT thickness.CONCLUSION: TyG index measured at the time of diagnosis in newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients is also associated with subclinical atherosclerosis, deterioration in left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions.