Obesity, adiponectin and vascular inflammatory disease

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obesity is the most common risk factor for cardiovascular diseases in industrial countries. It is now clear that adipose tissue secretes various bioactive substances, conceptualized as adipocytokines, and that dysregulation of adipocytokines directly contributes to obesity-related diseases. Chronic inflammatory processes contribute to the development of atherosclerosis. In this review, the authors focus on the relationship between adiponectin, a recently discovered anti-atherogenic adipocytokine, and vascular inflammation. RECENT FINDINGS: Plasma concentrations of adiponectin, an adipocyte-specific protein, are reduced in obese subjects and in patients with type 2 diabetes and coronary…

• UM
  Uehara Memorial Foundation
• JS
  Japan Society for the Promotion of Science