Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be the systemic manifestation of adipose tissue disease induced by chronic energy overload and defined as an increased aggregation of activated macrophages into adipose tissue characterized by crown-like structure. The predominant underlying mechanisms of MetS appear to be insulin resistance, leptin resistance, abdominal obesity, autonomic dysfunction, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. Established components of MetS are increased waist circumference, high BP, increased serum TG levels, decreased serum HDL cholesterol levels, and impaired fasting glucose. Increased serum levels of hs-CRP, fatty liver, increased serum gamma glutamyltransferase and/or ALT levels, increased serum LDL cholesterol levels, increased urinary excretion of albumin, increased resting heart rate, and decreased vital capacity are reported as associated components of MetS. Thus, the author proposes an extended concept of MetS as a systemic pre-disease state developing through adipose tissue disease. (Ningen Dock 2010; 24: 1-6)
