The Inflammatory Response in Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MS) encompasses a cluster of metabolic disorders that significantly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes mellitus. While the precise etiology of MS remains unclear, it is widely recognized as a multifactorial condition influenced by environmental, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Inflammation, a fundamental physiological response designed to maintain homeostasis, plays a central role in MS. When the body detects foreign substances or cellular stress, the immune system is activated, synthesizing signaling molecules, such as cytokines and chemokines. However, prolonged or dysregulated immune activation can result in chronic low-grade inflammation, a hallmark of MS. This persistent inflammatory state contributes to the pathophysiology of MS by promoting insulin resistance, endotelial dysfunction, and adipose tissue remodeling. The diagnostic criteria for MS, including central obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, are all associated with inflammatory processes mediated by the activation of both innate and adaptive immune systems.

This review explores the intricate relationship between each diagnostic criterion of MS and the inflammatory response. By delving into the immunological mechanisms underpinning MS, we aim to understand how inflammation links metabolic dysregulation to disease progression comprehensively. This knowledge could pave the way for targeted therapeutic interventions and lifestyle modifications to mitigate the global burden of MS.