Related Experiment Videos
The deadly quartet--the insulin resistance syndrome
1Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tenn, USA.
Southern Medical Journal
|December 24, 1997
Summary
Insulin resistance is linked to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, collectively known as "the deadly quartet." Understanding its molecular basis improves treatment for this common syndrome, reducing cardiovascular disease risks.
Area of Science:
- Metabolic Disorders
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
Background:
- Obesity, non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and dyslipidemia (syndrome X, "the deadly quartet") are prevalent metabolic disorders.
- These conditions significantly increase the risk of early cardiovascular disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between insulin resistance and "the deadly quartet."
- To address the therapeutic implications of insulin resistance in metabolic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of insulin resistance using MEDLINE database.
- Analysis of 50 selected references from 1975 to the present.
Main Results:
- Insulin resistance is characterized by a cluster of disorders and biochemical abnormalities.
- Mechanisms of impaired insulin-mediated glucose utilization and its link to obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were discussed.
- Current therapeutic strategies were reviewed based on a pathophysiologic approach.
Conclusions:
- This common syndrome contributes significantly to U.S. mortality, morbidity, and healthcare costs.
- Improved molecular understanding of insulin resistance is enhancing treatment for all components of the syndrome.