Inflammation, Adiponectin, Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk

Abstract

The development of atherosclerotic lesions leading to myocardial infarction (MI) or stroke encompasses a cascade of cellular and molecular events that can well be characterized as a chronic immune-mediated inflammation occurring preferentially in the biologic surrounding of the so called metabolic syndrome. Adipokines, chemokines, cytokines, and their receptors are critically involved in the initiation and perpetuation of atherosclerosis, and they play important roles at all levels in the pathogenesis of this disease. Metabolic risk profiles associated with sedentary lifestyle, obesity, especially intra-abdominal fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia pave the way for a chronic, immune-mediated vascular inflammation around vascular lipid deposits. In the present article, the impact of adiponectin, monocyte and T-cell associated cytokines (with emphasis on Neopterin), individual adipose tissue - distribution and pleiotropic drug effects on the individual course of atherosclerosis and associated cardiovascular disease are reviewed.

New Markers of Early Cardiovascular Risk in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Oxidized-LDL Correlates with Clinical Staging

“…However, its potential involvement in injury and premature atherosclerotic disease in patients with MS remains to be clarified. Moreover, inflammatory imbalances, viewed by increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α and/or reduced anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic molecules, including adiponectin, have been considered key factors for the CVR in other pathologies [13,14] and deserve attention in MS. A similar effect has been given to the phenomenon of angiogenesis, being the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) a new biomarker with increased importance [15,16].…”

Effect of soy on metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors: a randomized controlled trial

“…Total abdominal adipose tissue may be subdivided into subcutaneous-abdominal compartment and intra-abdominal compartment. This latter, also referred to as 'visceral fat,' is associated with insulin resistance and the specific features of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) [5], which also includes the combination of dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia or type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, in association with insulin resistance and systemic inflammation [6,7]. The biochemical factors involved in increased primary CVD risk associated with these features include elevated free fatty acid flux to the liver, altered adipokine production and altered HDL level and distribution into different subclasses [3], resulting in a proatherogenic environment.…”

Serum Omentin-1 Concentrations are Significantly and Independently related to Carotid Intima:Media Thickness in Postmenopausal Saudi Women

“…In addition to the well-known classical cardiovascular risk factors, some novel risk factors such as chronic lowgrade inflammation and bone metabolism regulators are increasingly thought to have a role [7].…”