Nicotine, a key component of cigarette smoke, can interfere with the normal function of perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), which plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular health by promoting vasorelaxation.
This disruption occurs through the inhibition of the PPAR?-adiponectin-AdipoR1 pathway, which is essential for the anti-contractile effects of PVAT, potentially leading to increased vascular stiffness and cardiovascular risk.