Sex-Specific Characteristics of Perivascular Fat in Aortic Aneurysms

Abstract

Aortic aneurysms (AAs), the dilation or widening of the aorta, lead to dissection or rupture with high morbidity and mortality if untreated. AA displays gender disparities in its prevalence, progression and outcomes, with women having worse outcomes and faster aneurysm growth. However, current guidelines do not address gender dimorphism, emphasizing the urgent need for personalized treatment strategies and further research. Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), a unique type of fat surrounding blood vessels, plays a critical role in maintaining vasomotor tone and vascular homeostasis, with dysfunction associated with chronic inflammation and vessel-wall remodeling. Indeed, PVAT dysfunction promotes the development of aortic aneurysms, with hormonal and biomechanical factors exacerbating the pathological vascular microenvironment. The sexually dimorphic characteristics of PVAT include morphological, immunological, and hormonally mediated differences. Thus, targeting PVAT-mediated mechanisms may be a promising option for the (gender-specific) therapeutic management of cardiovascular pathologies. This review examines the emerging importance of PVAT in vascular health, its potential therapeutic implications for AA, and identifies gaps in the current state of research.

Keywords: aortic aneurysm; inflammation; perivascular adipose tissue; sex differences; vascular dysfunction.