Metabolic syndrome: pathophysiology, management, and modulation by natural compounds

Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a cluster of metabolic abnormalities that include hypertension, central obesity, insulin resistance, and atherogenic dyslipidemia, and is strongly associated with an increased risk for developing diabetes and atherosclerotic and nonatherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). The pathogenesis of MetS involves both genetic and acquired factors that contribute to the final pathway of inflammation that leads to CVD. MetS has gained significant importance recently due to the exponential increase in obesity worldwide. Early diagnosis is important in order to employ lifestyle and risk factor modification. Here, we review the epidemiology and pathogenesis of MetS, the role of inflammation in MetS, and summarize existing natural therapies for MetS.

Keywords: atherogenic dyslipidemia; cardiovascular disease; hypertension; insulin resistance; metabolic syndrome; nutraceuticals; obesity.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest in preparing this article.

Figures

Figure 1.

Pathophysiological mechanisms in metabolic syndrome. AT2, angiotensin II type 2 receptor; CRP, C-reactive protein; IL-6, interleukin 6; LOX, lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein; RAAS, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; ROS, reactive oxygen species; TNF, tumor necrosis factor.