Metabolic syndrome: a sympathetic disease?
Markus Schlaich1, Nora Straznicky2, Elisabeth Lambert3
1Neurovascular Hypertension and Kidney Disease and Human Neurotransmitters Laboratories, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
The Lancet. Diabetes & Endocrinology
|April 16, 2014
Summary
Metabolic syndrome, a global health issue, involves sympathetic nervous system overactivity. Targeting this system may offer new therapeutic strategies for managing metabolic syndrome and its complications.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Endocrinology
- Metabolic Research
Background:
- Metabolic syndrome is a growing global health concern linked to adverse outcomes.
- Harmonized definitions improve understanding of prevalence and consequences.
- Mechanisms driving metabolic changes in metabolic syndrome are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of sympathetic nervous system activation in metabolic syndrome.
- To review current and potential therapeutic strategies targeting the sympathetic nervous system.
Main Methods:
- Review of laboratory and human studies.
- Analysis of treatment strategies for metabolic syndrome.
- Evaluation of pharmacological and device-based approaches.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests sympathetic nervous system activation plays a key role in metabolic syndrome.
- Weight loss interventions (diet, exercise) are associated with sympathetic inhibition.
- Targeting sympathetic overactivity shows promise for blood pressure and glucose control.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic targeting of sympathetic overactivity is a potential strategy for metabolic syndrome.
- Further research is needed to confirm if targeting sympathetic overactivity can prevent metabolic syndrome and reduce adverse outcomes.
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