Autonomic Nervous System Regulation of Epicardial Adipose Tissue: Potential Roles for Regulator of G Protein Signaling-4

Abstract

The epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) or epicardial fat is a visceral fat depot in the heart that contains intrinsic adrenergic and cholinergic nerves, through which it interacts with the cardiac sympathetic (adrenergic) and parasympathetic (cholinergic) nervous systems. These EAT nerves represent a significant source of several adipokines and other bioactive molecules, including norepinephrine, epinephrine, and free fatty acids. The production of these molecules is biologically relevant for the heart, since abnormalities in EAT secretion are implicated in the development of pathological conditions, including coronary atherosclerosis, atrial fibrillation, and heart failure. Sympathetic hyperactivity and parasympathetic (cholinergic) derangement are associated with EAT dysfunction, leading to a variety of adverse cardiac conditions, such as heart failure, diastolic dysfunction, atrial fibrillation, etc.; therefore, several studies have focused on exploring the autonomic regulation of EAT as it pertains to heart disease pathogenesis and progression. In addition, Regulator of G protein Signaling (RGS)-4 is a protein with significant regulatory roles in both adrenergic and muscarinic receptor signaling in the heart. In this review, we provide an overview of the autonomic regulation of EAT, with a specific focus on cardiac RGS4 and the potential roles this protein plays in this regulation.