The number and phenotype of myocardial and adipose tissue CD68+ cells is associated with cardiovascular and metabolic disease in heart surgery patients

Background and aims CD68+ cells are a potent source of inflammatory cytokines in adipose tissue and myocardium. The development of low-grade inflammation in adipose tissue is implicated in the pathogenesis of obesity-associated disorders including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease. The main aim of the study was to characterize and quantify myocardial and adipose tissue CD68+ cells and adipose tissue crown-like structures...