Atherothrombotic risk in obesity

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Science
• Metabolic Disease Research
• Thrombosis and Hemostasis

Background:

• Obesity is increasingly linked to coronary artery disease (CAD) development.
• A proinflammatory and prothrombotic state is hypothesized to mediate this association in obese individuals.
• Adipocytes release adipokines that impact vascular cells and contribute to atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiological mechanisms linking obesity to increased atherothrombosis.
• To highlight the specific effects of obesity on thrombosis.
• To explore how adipokines influence vascular and hemostatic systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies investigating obesity, inflammation, and thrombosis.
• Analysis of the role of adipokines in endothelial and smooth muscle cell function.
• Examination of effects on hemostatic and fibrinolytic systems and platelet aggregation.

Main Results:

• Obesity induces a prothrombotic state through adipokine secretion.
• Adipokines promote the development of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.
• Obesity impairs endothelial function and alters hemostasis, affecting thrombus formation and stability.

Conclusions:

• Obesity significantly contributes to atherothrombosis via inflammatory and prothrombotic pathways.
• Adipokine-mediated effects on vascular cells and hemostasis are key mechanisms.
• Understanding these links is crucial for managing cardiovascular risk in obese patients.