Inflammation and metabolic dysfunction: links to cardiovascular diseases

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Metabolic Disease Research
• Adipose Tissue Biology

Background:

• Abdominal obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD).
• Adipose tissue dysfunction, inflammation, and aberrant adipokine release are central to this risk.
• Lipid storage overload leads to chronic inflammation, hypoxia, and altered adipose tissue secretion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the adipo-vascular axis in the context of CVD.
• To provide an overview of adipokines linked to cardiovascular disease.
• To identify specific adipokines impacting vascular inflammation and NF-κB activation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review assessing the adipo-vascular axis.
• Compilation and analysis of adipokines associated with CVD.
• Focused analysis on adipokines affecting vascular inflammation and NF-κB activation.

Main Results:

• Over 30 adipokines were initially identified as potentially relevant to CVD.
• Key adipokines with prominent links to CVD include leptin, TNF-α, and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein.
• Novel adipokines such as lipocalin-2 and pigment epithelium-derived factor also show significant associations.

Conclusions:

• Adipokines play a crucial role in the link between abdominal obesity and cardiovascular disease.
• Leptin, TNF-α, and novel factors like lipocalin-2 are prominent players in vascular inflammation.
• These adipokines represent potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for CVD prevention and treatment.