Pathophysiology of the proatherothrombotic state in the metabolic syndrome

Obesity and insulin resistance are very frequently associated to the metabolic syndrome (MetS), play a pivotal role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Although it varies among ethnic groups, the worldwide prevalence of MetS is 23% in young adults and increases with age. Remarkably, the prevalence of MetS is expected to rise during the next decades due to the acquisition of unhealthy life-style habits (sedentarism, smoking, unhealthy diet). A major pathological alteration present in the MetS is a prothrombotic state resulting from endothelial dysfunction and hypercoagulability produced by a dysbalance of coagulation factors and proteins regulating fibrinolysis. Although intensive research in recent years has identified a number of prothrombotic alterations in MetS patients, a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the relationship between MetS and atherotrombosis is required to improve prevention and treatment. In this review we discuss the main alterations in the endothelial function, coagulation cascade, fibrinolysis and platelet function promoting atherothrombosis in MetS and available mouse models exhibiting alterations in atherothrombosis.