Author: Bell-Anderson, Kim S

Source: Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Volume 3, Number 1, January 2008 , pp. 61-73(13)

Publisher: Expert Reviews

Abstract:

Obesity is fast becoming one of the most important contributors to cardiovascular disease. Adipose tissue is gaining recognition as a key endocrine organ that secretes a growing number of adipokines, linking adiposity with inflammation, endothelial dysfunction and the initiation of atherosclerosis. In particular, accumulation of visceral adipose tissue is implicated in the development of cardiovascular disease as it is associated with increased macrophage infiltration and oversecretion of proinflammatory and prothrombotic factors, such as TNF-α, IL-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, leptin, resistin and angiotensinogen, and reduced secretion of the antiatherogenic factor adiponectin. As adipokines represent a key molecular link between obesity and the atherogenic state, research directed at understanding the physiology and biochemistry of these factors should open the door for discovery of novel therapeutics.

Keywords: adipokine; atherosclerosis; cardiovascular disease; inflammation; obesity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1586/17446651.3.1.61

Affiliations: 1: Human Nutrition Unit, School of Molecular and Microbial Biosciences, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia., Email: kim@usyd.edu.au

Publication date: 2008-01-01

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• Expert Review of Endocrinology & Metabolism provides extensive coverage of state-of-the-art research and clinical advancements in the field of endocrine control and metabolism, with a focus on screening, prevention, diagnostics, existing and novel therapeutics, as well as related molecular genetics, pathophysiology and epidemiology
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