Sex-Specific Differences in PVAT Pathobiology

Perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) has been widely studied over the past 2 decades for its anticontractile function, morphology, and adipokine secretion. However, most data were obtained from male sex, with few studies on female PVAT. Indeed, the PVAT secretome, adipocyte phenotype, progenitor cells, and responses to cardiovascular risk factors exhibit sex differences and may be modulated by sex hormones. Here, we compiled data evaluating PVAT based on sex differences or focused on the female sex. Sex comparisons in PVAT function and morphology under physiological conditions and in pathological states such as dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, obesity, heart failure, and hypertension have been briefly reviewed.