Pérez De Miguelsanz, María JulianaJiménez Ortega, VanesaCano Barquilla, María PilarGaraulet, MartaEsquifino, Ana I.Varela Moreiras, GregorioFernández Mateos, María Del Pilar2023-06-162023-06-162021-08-24Perez Miguelsanz, J., Jiménez Ortega, V., Cano Barquilla, M. P. et al. «Early Appearance of Epicardial Adipose Tissue through Human Development». Nutrients, vol. 13, n.o 9, agosto de 2021, p. 2906. DOI.org (Crossref), https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13092906.2072-664310.3390/nu13092906https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14352/4828Background: Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is a visceral fat depot with unique anatomic, biomolecular and genetic features. Due to its proximity to the coronary arteries and myocardium, dysfunctional EAT may contribute to the development and progression of cardiovascular and metabolic-related adiposity-based chronic diseases. The aim of this work was to describe, by morphological techniques, the early origin of EAT. Methods: EAT adipogenesis was studied in 41 embryos from 32 gestational days (GD) to 8 gestational weeks (GW) and in 23 fetuses until full term (from 9 to 36 GW). Results: This process comprises five stages. Stage 1 appears as mesenchyme at 33–35 GD. Stage 2 is characterized by angiogenesis at 42–45 GD. Stage 3 covers up to 34 GW with the appearance of small fibers in the extracellular matrix. Stage 4 is visible around the coronary arteries, as multilocular adipocytes in primitive fat lobules, and Stage 5 is present with unilocular adipocytes in the definitive fat lobules. EAT precursor tissue appears as early as the end of the first gestational month in the atrioventricular grooves. Unilocular adipocytes appear at the eighth gestational month. Conclusions: Due to its early origin, plasticity and clinical implications, factors such as maternal health and nutrition might influence EAT early development in consequence.engAtribución 3.0 Españahttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/es/journal articlehttps://doi.org/10.3390/nu13092906https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/9/2906/htmopen accessEpicardial adipose tissue developmentCoronary arteriesHuman embryo and fetusCardiovascular diseaseMetabolic fetal programingDietética y nutrición (Medicina)EndocrinologíaGinecología y obstetriciaNutriciónDietética3206 Ciencias de la Nutrición3205.02 Endocrinología3201.08 Ginecología3206 Ciencias de la Nutrición