[Obesity and diabetes mellitus].

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Immunology

Context:

• Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are increasingly prevalent global health issues.
• Both conditions are now understood to involve complex inflammatory pathways.

Purpose:

• To review current literature and research findings on the interplay between excessive body weight, inflammation, and T2DM development.
• To elucidate the molecular mechanisms, including cytokine and macrophage involvement, in the pathogenesis of T2DM.

Summary:

• Excessive body weight, often due to poor lifestyle choices (high-fat, high-glucose diets, sedentary behavior), promotes adipose tissue inflammation.
• This inflammation involves M1 macrophage infiltration and increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α) and adipokines.
• These mediators contribute to insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell apoptosis, leading to T2DM. Conversely, M2 macrophages and anti-diabetic cytokines offer protection.

Impact:

• Provides a comprehensive overview of the inflammatory basis of obesity-related T2DM.
• Highlights key molecular players (cytokines, adipokines, macrophages) in disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
• Underscores the importance of lifestyle modifications in mitigating inflammatory processes and preventing T2DM.