Metabolic syndrome etiopathogenisis: Review

The metabolic syndrome characterizes insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, obesity (especially central obesity), dyslipidemia (especially high levels of triglycerides and low levels of high density lipoprotein cholesterol), coronary arter disease and hypertension. A number of expert groups have attempted to develop a unifying definition for the metabolic syndrome. Important definitions have been produced by The World Health Organization (WHO), The National Cholesterol Education Program-Third Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III) and the other expert groups. Insulin resistance is a condition that impaired physiologic response to the normal actions of insulin. Insulin resistance exists in most people who develop Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Insulin resistance has been considered an important factor connecting many features of the metabolic syndrome. Such as, activation of inflammatory system, obesity, microalbuminuria, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, fibrinolysis and coagulation which has been associated with insulin resistance. Adipose tissue has been recognised as an endocrine organ and major region for steroid hormone metabolism and for the production of leptin, rezistin, adiponectin, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and other molecules. Obesity impairs the secretion of adipocytokines, leading to insulin resistance and various other metabolic disorders. In addition, free radicals, especially coronary artery disease, on the many components of metabolic syndrome has adverse effects. The increase on the important components of this syndrome and the increase on morbidity and mortality has been in parallel through out the 20. Century. The aim of this review is to reflect the metobolic syndrome in the light of current information. Copyright © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.