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Biomarkers and Endothelial Damage in Obesity: An Insight into the Pharmacological Modulation
Arturo Yonatan Bojórquez-González1, Eduardo Gómez-Sánchez2, Daniel Osmar Suarez-Rico3
1Doctorado en Farmacología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Obesity causes inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, contributing to atherosclerosis. Targeting the netrin 1/UNC5B axis and using drugs like GLP-1 RAs may improve outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Metabolic Disease Research
- Immunology
Background:
- Obesity is linked to chronic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which are major drivers of subclinical atherosclerosis.
- The netrin 1/UNC5B axis plays a critical role in macrophage accumulation in adipose tissue and atherosclerotic plaques, exacerbating local inflammation and vascular damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the netrin 1/UNC5B axis in obesity-related inflammation and atherosclerosis.
- To discuss inflammatory and endothelial activation markers.
- To evaluate emerging pharmacological strategies for managing subclinical atherosclerosis in obesity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on the netrin 1/UNC5B axis, inflammatory markers, and obesity-related cardiovascular complications.
- Analysis of current evidence on pharmacological interventions, including GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2is.
Main Results:
- The netrin 1/UNC5B axis promotes macrophage retention, perpetuating inflammation in adipose tissue and atherosclerotic lesions.
- Elevated levels of IL-6, hsCRP, IL-15, endocan, and ICAM-1 indicate systemic inflammation and endothelial activation.
- GLP-1 RAs and SGLT2is show promise in improving biomarkers and reducing endothelial damage, with GLP-1 RAs impacting carotid intima-media thickness.
Conclusions:
- The netrin 1/UNC5B axis is a key player in obesity-induced inflammation and atherosclerosis.
- Biomarker profiling combined with obesity phenotyping can enhance early risk stratification.
- Personalized management strategies targeting specific pathways and utilizing effective pharmacological agents are crucial for addressing subclinical atherosclerosis.
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