Mechanisms of Obesity and Related Pathologies: The Macro- and Microcirculation of Adipose Tissue

Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ made up of adipocytes, various stromal cells including many immune cells, and an endothelial network. Adipose secretory products, collectively referred to as adipokines, have been identified as contributors to the negative consequences of adipose tissue expansion including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Systemic circulation provides transport capabilities for adipokines and fuels for proper adipose tissue function. The adipose tissue microcirculation is heavily impacted by adipose tissue expansion. A subset of adipokines can induce endothelial dysfunction. Furthermore, angiogenesis is necessary to counter hypoxia arising as a result of tissue expansion. Tumors, such as invasive lesions in the mammary gland, co-opt the adipose tissue microvasculature for local growth and metastatic growth and lymphatic circulation provides an important route for lipid transport. Here, we review this area that has not received a lot of attention and focus on the established and potential interplay between adipose tissue and the microvascular endothelium.