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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
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Quantifying Acute Changes in Renal Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Response to Central Nervous System Manipulations in Anesthetized Rats
Published on: September 11, 2018
Perturbed autonomic nervous system function in metabolic syndrome
Nicholas Tentolouris1, Georgia Argyrakopoulou, Nicholas Katsilambros
11st Department of Propaedeutic Medicine, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece. ntentol@med.uoa.gr
Neuromolecular Medicine
|January 29, 2008
Summary
Metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions, involves autonomic nervous system dysfunction with sympathetic nervous system overactivity. This overactivity worsens prognosis but may be reversible with interventions.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects ~25% of the population, increasing risks for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
- Central obesity and insulin resistance are key features of MetS.
- MetS is linked to autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, specifically sympathetic nervous system (SNS) predominance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between metabolic syndrome and sympathetic nervous system activation.
- To understand the implications of augmented sympathetic activity in MetS patients.
- To investigate the potential reversibility of ANS disturbances in MetS.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on metabolic syndrome and autonomic nervous system function.
- Analysis of physiological markers of sympathetic activation (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure, catecholamines).
- Examination of intervention studies targeting autonomic disturbances.
Main Results:
- Individuals with MetS exhibit SNS overactivity affecting multiple organs.
- Markers of SNS activation include increased heart rate, blood pressure, and catecholamine levels.
- Augmented sympathetic activity is associated with poorer prognosis in MetS.
Conclusions:
- Sympathetic nervous system overactivity is a significant feature of metabolic syndrome.
- The precise role of SNS activation in MetS development requires further investigation.
- Autonomic disturbances in MetS may be amenable to therapeutic intervention.
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