Adipocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles; Novel Biomarker and Mediator of Obesity-Related Endothelial Dysfunction
Changes in adipose tissue biology are now recognized as a key factor underlying the increased risk of metabolic and cardiovascular disease with obesity. Clinical interest in adipocyte-derived extracellular vesicles (Ad-EVs) has intensified due to their potential as circulating biomarkers of adipose tissue health and systemic messengers, regulators and mediators of cardiometabolic health and disease with obesity. The investigators hypothesize that elevated Ad-EVs in adults with obesity will be negatively associated with endothelium-dependent vasodilation. Furthermore, the investigators hypothesize that in adults with obesity, intentional weight loss-induced reduction in circulating Ad-EVs is associated with greater endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
• Age ≥40 years
• BMI \<25 kg/m2 and BMI \>25 kg/m2 for Phase 1 and BMI \>25 kg/m2 for Phase 2. Rationale for defining obesity as BMI \>25 kg/m2