Central Adiposity, Systemic Inflammation, and the Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a constellation of metabolic derangements and underlying factors that significantly increases the risk for developing type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. MetS is a low-grade inflammatory condition, with systemic inflammation and inflammation of central abdominal fat as contributors. Systemic inflammation in MetS is thought to involve C-reactive protein and some proinflammatory cytokines; the nuclear factor-κB pathway also is believed to play a role. Inflammation of central adipose tissue leads to adipokine production, followed by secretion of adipokines into the general circulation to contribute to the overall inflammatory condition. The molecular mechanisms that contribute to this inflammation are still somewhat unclear, but several serine/threonine kinases are known to be involved. Dietary components may also contribute to central adiposity and the inflammation seen in MetS.