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. 2021 Feb 24;34(9):736–749. doi: 10.1089/ars.2020.8103

FIG. 4.

FIG. 4.

PVAT thermogenesis and atherosclerosis. PVAT enhances lipid droplet depletion in adipocytes through thermogenesis in the mitochondria via UCP-1-mediated β-oxidation. Sustained thermogenesis in PVAT reduces plasma lipid levels and prevents macrophage (Φ) polarization and foam cell formation in the blood vessel walls, resulting in decreased release of inflammatory cytokines. Enhanced mitoNEET activity in the mitochondrial membrane induces transport of Fe-S into the mitochondria, which helps utilization of FA through UCP-1-mediated β-oxidation. It is unknown whether thermogenesis in PVAT adipocytes can reduce the lipid contents in foam cells, or whether inflammatory cytokines released from foam cells can inhibit thermogenesis in PVAT adipocytes. FA, fatty acids; UCP-1, uncoupling protein 1. Color images are available online.