Effects of bariatric surgery on human small artery function: evidence for reduction in perivascular adipocyte inflammation, and restoration of normal anticontractile activity despite persistent obesity

BackgroundIn lean healthy human beings, perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) exerts an anticontractile effect on adjacent small arteries, but this is lost in obesity where there is evidence of adipocyte inflammation and increased oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of bariatric surgery on small artery function and the underlying mechanisms.