Recent advances in effect of epicardial adipose tissue on coronary atherosclerosis disease and its intervention

Epicardial adipose tissue, a special visceral adipose tissue surrounding the heart and coronary arteries, recently has been found to be an important source of endogenous adipokines and proinflammatory cytokines. It may be involved in the presence and pathophysiological progress of coronary atherosclerosis disease. This review briefly summarizes recent advances in the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue and coronary atherosclerosis disease and reviews the potentials of epicardial adipose tissue serving as a target for intervention of atherosclerosis.