Minireview: adiposity, inflammation, and atherogenesis.

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Vascular Biology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Adipose tissue functions as an endocrine organ secreting factors that influence systemic and vascular inflammation.
• Adipokines, secreted by adipose tissue, play a crucial role in regulating processes contributing to atherosclerosis, such as hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, and insulin resistance.
• Proinflammatory adipokine secretion increases with adiposity, particularly from visceral adipose tissue.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the role of adipokines in inflammation and atherosclerosis.
• To investigate how modulating adipose tissue affects adipokine levels and associated pathologies.
• To highlight the potential for improved therapeutic strategies targeting adipokines in obesity-related diseases.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on adipose tissue, adipokines, and atherosclerosis.
• Analysis of the impact of interventions like surgical fat removal, exercise, and caloric restriction on adipokine profiles.
• Examination of the effects of pharmacological treatments for metabolic and cardiovascular conditions on systemic adipokine levels.

Main Results:

• Adipokines are implicated in key pathogenic processes of atherosclerosis, including hypertension, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, and vascular remodeling.
• Reduced adipose tissue mass through interventions like diet, exercise, or surgery improves proinflammatory adipokine levels.
• Existing medications for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases can favorably alter systemic adipokine levels.

Conclusions:

• Adipokines secreted by adipose tissue are critical mediators of inflammation and atherosclerosis.
• Therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing adipose tissue or targeting adipokine pathways hold promise for managing obesity-related diseases.
• Further understanding of adipokine regulation is essential for developing novel treatments for the global obesity epidemic.