[Dyslipidemia in metabolic syndrome]

The prevalence of obesity has become increasingly common worldwide, in particular western countries. Obesity, together with insulin resistance, leads to metabolic syndrome in which other coronary risk factors including hyperlipidemia and hypertension cluster in one individual. Hyperlipidemia in metabolic syndrome is characterized increased triglyceride(TG), decreased HDL-C, and small dense LDL, called dyslipidemic triad. Dyslipidemia is attributable to increased flux of free fatty acids to the liver, which promotes TG synthesis, thus VLDL production. Increased VLDL, together with decreased lipoprotein lipase activity due to insulin resistance, causes accumulation of TG-rich lipoproteins, including proatherogenic remnants. Further, increased activities of cholesteryl ester transfer protein and hepatic triglyceride lipase results in low HDL-C and small dense LDL. Initial treatment should be directed to modify life style(weight loss and increased physical activity). Then, pharmacological intervention should be considered when the initial treatment is not fully successful. Fibrate derivatives are considered to be ideal to correct dyslipidemic triad. In addition, potent statins(HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor) can be alternative in metabolic syndrome subjects with elevated LDL-C levels.