Metabolic endotoxemia: possible causes and consequences

Abstract

This review article presents data from the literature, which provide an idea of the relationship between metabolic disorders occurring against the background of obesity and endotoxinemia, as well as the effect of these conditions on the maintenance of low-grade inflammation in the body. A description of the hormonal and immune restructuring of white adipose tissue, the main routes of entry and metabolism of endotoxin is given. Particular attention is paid to the mechanisms of the mutual influence of obesity and endotoxinemia. Described by Yakovlev M.Yu. in 1988 «endotoxin aggression» and Cani P.D. et al. in 2007, «metabolic endotoxinemia», in our opinion, is one of the most important triggers for the development and progression of a whole spectrum of acute and chronic diseases. Based on the data of recent years, adipose tissue is an active endocrine organ capable of influencing both metabolic processes and the state of innate and acquired immune defense mechanisms. It has now been proven that high-calorie diets lead not only to an increase in overweight, but also to an increase in the level of endotoxin circulating in the blood. An in-depth study of the ability of obesity and endotoxinemia to potentiate the mutual pro-inflammatory effect can help both in understanding the pathogenesis of the main cardiovascular, autoimmune, allergic and infectious (including viral) diseases, and in the development of methods for non-pharmacological and drug correction of these conditions.