Editorial: Exploring the Crosstalk Between Adipose Tissue and the Cardiovascular System

Exploring the Crosstalk Between Adipose Tissue and the Cardiovascular SystemMany studies have confirmed the existence of a bidirectional cross-talk between adipose tissue (AT) and the cardiovascular system, which is crucial to the maintenance of normal physiological function in both tissues (Oikonomou and Antoniades, 2019).AT can be considered an endocrine organ per se releasing signaling messengers, such as microvesicles and immunomodulatory factors, that influence the development and progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) (Oikonomou and Antoniades, 2019).For instance, the altered structure and function of AT in obesity is accompanied by a dysregulated profile of adipokine secretion and is closely associated with an increased incidence of adverse CVD outcomes (Oikonomou and Antoniades, 2019).Similarly, the cardiovascular system secretes molecules that are detected by the surrounding AT, which "senses" cardiovascular inflammation and modify its secretory profile accordingly (Oikonomou and Antoniades, 2019).The objective of this Research Topic was to receive studies that describe AT dysfunction in the metabolic syndrome and to delineate the role of AT-derived immunomodulatory factors in the development and progression of CVD.We also shed light on the role of "inside-to-outside" signaling (from the cardiovascular system to AT) in the cross-talk between the myocardium, the vasculature, and AT.Eight submissions were received (two reviews, one perspective and five research articles).In this Research Topic, two review articles highlighted the role of different molecules in this crosstalk.Shalaby et al. reviewed the detrimental role of ceramides in the pathogenesis of cardiometabolic disorders including CVD, type II diabetes and obesity.In this paper the authors discussed the mechanisms by which ceramides affect endothelial dysfunction (Akawi et al., 2021).Ceramides were also reported to exert their detrimental effects via increasing insulin resistance, dysregulating cardiac muscle dilation and contractility, and augmenting inflammation.They also provided an update regarding possible ceramide-targeted therapies.Soci et al. instead described the current knowledge on the epigenetic role exerted by microRNAs in the cross-talk between AT and the cardiovascular system.They also discussed the latest evidence for heart-enriched microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases as epigenetic biomarkers, which regulate cardiac-and metabolic-related gene expression.This suggests a clinical utility for microRNAs given their predictive and therapeutic potential for cardiovascular diseases.