Obesity as a Trigger for Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

The chronic low-grade inflammation in obesity and multiple pleiotropic effects of adipokines on the immune system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various rheumatic autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Obesity is a low-grade systemic inflammatory condition with elevated levels of inflammatory markers such as leptin, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. Dysregulation of the cytokines and adipokines is a feature of metabolic syndrome, suggesting a complex relationship between autoimmunity, obesity, and atherosclerosis. We discuss the effects of obesity and its association with newly diagnosed immune-mediated disorders such as Sjogren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in a case series of eight patients.