Insulin resistance and atherosclerosis
1Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Lipid Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. csemenko@wustl.edu
The Journal of Clinical Investigation
|July 11, 2006
Summary
Insulin resistance is linked to vascular disease and metabolic syndrome. However, insulin resistance in blood vessels may not directly cause atherosclerosis, suggesting independent responses to cellular stress from excess fuel.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Metabolic Disorders
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Insulin resistance is associated with vascular disease, leading to the recognition of metabolic syndrome (clustering of hyperlipidemia, glucose intolerance, hypertension, obesity).
- While insulin resistance contributes to a proatherogenic state through dyslipidemia and other metabolic issues, its direct role in vascular wall atherosclerosis is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether insulin resistance within the vascular wall directly promotes atherosclerosis.
- To explore the relationship between insulin resistance, atherosclerosis, and cellular homeostasis disruption.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on insulin resistance and vascular disease.
- Analysis of recent findings on the cellular mechanisms linking fuel excess to metabolic and vascular pathologies.
Main Results:
- Insulin resistance is a component of the metabolic syndrome and contributes to a proatherogenic environment.
- Emerging evidence suggests that insulin resistance and atherosclerosis may be independent maladaptive responses.
Conclusions:
- Insulin resistance in the vascular wall might not be a direct cause of atherosclerosis.
- Both insulin resistance and atherosclerosis could be parallel, detrimental outcomes of disrupted cellular homeostasis due to excessive fuel supply.
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