[The metabolic syndrome: from an aggravating condition to a pathogenic risk factor for chronic diseases]

In recent years, a rapidly increasing number of studies have focused on the association between metabolic syndrome and several chronic diseases. However, it is difficult to determine a well defined pathogenic relationship, due to the etiological heterogeneity and comorbidities of these diseases. Research efforts are aiming to identify the convergent biological mechanisms that mediate the effects of hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. All these conditions define the metabolic syndrome, that increases the risk for several diseases. The knowledge of these biological mechanisms associated with this syndrome will elucidate the pathogenic association between a variety of chronic diseases, including its pathogenic link with cardiovascular diseases and the most common forms of dementia. The development of new therapeutic and preventive strategies for these diseases will be a corollary of this research.