Effect of smoking on the ceramide profile of adipose tissue in patients with cardiovascular diseases

Aim. To describe ceramide profile of subcutaneous, epicardial, perivascular adipose tissue (SAT, EAT, PVAT, respectively) in patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) depending on smoking.

Material and methods. Ceramide (CER) profile in the SAT, EAT, PVAT of patients with CVD (30 patients with coronary artery disease and 30 patients with degenerative non-rheumatic acquired heart defects) was determined using a high-resolution chromatography mass spectrometry (Agilent 1200 series (Agilent Technologies, Germany)) with a maXis impact mass spectrometer (Bruker, Germany)). Biopsies of SAT, EAT, PVAT were obtained during surgery. Statistical analysis was performed in GraphPad Prism 8 (GraphPad Software).

Results. Associations of CER levels in visceral adipose tissue and smoking were found, manifested by an increase in the concentration of CER d18:1/16:0, 18:0, 24:1, 22:0. In the SAT of smoking patients, an increased content of Cer d18:1/14:0, 17:0 was found.

Conclusion. The ceramide profile of local fat depots differed in smoking and non-smoking patients with CVD. The obtained results indicate the modulation of CER synthesis during smoking and the accumulation of CER mainly in the EAT and PVAT in CVD. Taking into account the wide range of metabolic effects, the use of CER as biomarkers and targets for personalized therapy is promising for identifying high-risk individuals and improving therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for CVD.

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