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Obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance
Steven E Shoelson1, Laura Herrero, Afia Naaz
1Joslin Diabetes Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA. steven.shoelson@joslin.harvard.edu <steven.shoelson@joslin.harvard.edu>.
Gastroenterology
|May 15, 2007
Summary
Obesity and excess fat accumulation trigger chronic inflammation, a key factor in developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This review explores how obesity-induced inflammation contributes to these metabolic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic disorders
- Inflammation research
- Obesity and chronic disease
Background:
- Weight gain and obesity are primary risk factors for numerous diseases.
- Excess lipid accumulation in adipose tissue and liver (hepatic steatosis) is linked to chronic inflammation.
- Inflammation in obesity is characterized by cellular and biochemical markers in tissues and circulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathogenic role of obesity-induced inflammation in metabolic disorders.
- To review evidence linking inflammation to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing animal and clinical data.
- Analysis of inflammatory markers in obesity-related conditions.
- Examination of the link between inflammation and metabolic dysfunction.
Main Results:
- Growing evidence supports a pathogenic role for inflammation in obesity.
- Obesity-induced inflammation is implicated in the development of insulin resistance.
- Inflammation contributes to the progression of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Conclusions:
- Obesity-induced inflammation is a significant factor in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the inflammatory mechanisms involved.
- Targeting inflammation may offer therapeutic strategies for obesity-related metabolic diseases.
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