Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Isolation, Characterization, and Purification of Macrophages from Tissues Affected by Obesity-related Inflammation
Published on: April 3, 2017
Obesity, lipids, inflammation, and healthy aging
Rishi Rikhi1, Michael D Shapiro2
1Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Insights
Obesity, dyslipidemia, and inflammation significantly increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Optimizing these factors is crucial for preventing CVD and promoting healthy aging and longevity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Metabolic Health
- Inflammation Research
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading global cause of mortality and morbidity.
- Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) is a primary target for atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) prevention.
- Low-grade systemic inflammation plays a key role in atherosclerosis development and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex interplay between obesity, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in the context of CVD.
- To highlight the importance of optimizing these interconnected risk factors for cardiovascular health.
- To emphasize the role of these factors in healthy aging and longevity.
Main Methods:
- Literature synthesis of existing research on obesity, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and CVD.
- Analysis of population trends in CVD risk factor prevalence.
- Review of mechanisms linking obesity to atherogenic lipid profiles and inflammation.
Main Results:
- Obesity prevalence has risen dramatically, contributing to increased CVD risk through multiple pathways.
- Obesity exacerbates dyslipidemia, leading to more atherogenic lipid profiles.
- Obesity amplifies systemic inflammation, further promoting atherosclerotic processes.
Conclusions:
- Combined assessment of lipid and inflammatory biomarkers can predict long-term CVD events.
- Addressing obesity, dyslipidemia, and inflammation is critical for effective CVD prevention.
- Optimizing these risk factors is essential for achieving healthy aging and extending longevity.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death and disability globally. Thus, prevention efforts aimed at reducing CVD events allow for greater functional independence and wellbeing over the course of life. Low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol is causally associated with atherosclerosis and is the primary target for atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) prevention. More recently, low-grade systemic inflammation has been recognized for its role in atherosclerotic disease initiation and progression. Additionally, there is compelling evidence for combined assessments of lipid and inflammatory biomarkers to predict long-term CVD events and guide prevention efforts early in life. In the context of CVD prevention, there have also been population shifts in CVD risk factor prevalence. Obesity prevalence has increased drastically over the last three decades, contributing to disability, lower life expectancy, and higher risk of CVD through multiple mechanisms. Specifically, obesity leads to a more atherogenic lipid profile and higher levels of systemic inflammation. The purpose of this review is to synthesize available literature on the interplay between obesity, dyslipidemia, and inflammation with CVD and how optimization of these risk factors is critical for healthy aging and longevity.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammation
Obesity
Overview of Lipid Metabolism
Lipolysis: The Breakdown of Lipids:
Lipolysis is the process of breaking down lipids, particularly triglycerides, into glycerol and fatty acids. This process typically occurs in the adipose tissue and is triggered by various hormones, including glucagon and...
Cholesterol: Significance and Regulation
Considering cholesterol and...
Lipid-derived Compounds in the Human Body
Fat-soluble Vitamins
Fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamins A, D, E, and K, are required in minimal quantities, but their deficiencies can lead to severely abnormal physiological conditions. For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, dry skin, delayed...
Atherosclerosis III: Management