Metabolic syndrome: risk factors and molecular drug targets

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), is a non-communicable disorder caused by impaired management and storage of energy, primarily associated with unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles and stress. It is diagnosed when any three of the following conditions are observed, obesity (primary factor), hyperglycemia, low HDL, hypertriglyceridemia, and hypertension (ATP III guidelines). MetS affects approximately 14-34 % of the global population, highlighting significant public health concern. If left untreated, it leads to the development of other serious metabolic diseases like atherosclerosis, diabetes, PCOS, NAFLD, NASH, thyroid, cancer, sleep disturbance, osteoarthritis, anxiety, and depression. Despite ongoing research, no first-line drug currently exists for the comprehensive management of MetS. Its multifactorial nature often requires lifelong polytherapy with lifestyle intervention, raising concern over chronic drug use, drug-drug interactions, increasing morbidity and mortality. Therefore, there is a need highlighting the requirement of a single and targeted pharmacotherapy which offers a safer and more specific therapeutic approach. This review aims to identify and analyse ten key molecular targets in managing the pathogenesis of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). These targets can further pave the way for a targeted and safer approach in the treatment of MetS. See also the graphical abstract(Fig. 1).