Inflammation of adipose tissue. Part 3. Pathogenetic role in the development of atherosclerosis

Abstract

Obesity is a factor contributing to the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovasular diseases. A key pathogenetic mechanism of obesity-associated atherosclerosis is inflammation of the adipose tissue concomitant with mild systemic inflammation, altered secretion of adipokines and cytokines, and insulin resistance. This review is focused on the role of hypoadiponectinemia, enhanced secretion of leptin, resistin, TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, interferon-gamma, and activation of renin-angiotensin system in pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. The stimulatory action of insulin resistance accompanying inflammation of the adipose tissue on evolution of atherosclerosis is mediated through the development of dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, and arterial hypertension. Other important factors involved in pathogenetic mechanisms of atherosclerosis are inflammation of perivascular fatty tissue and paracrine activity of cytokines and chemokines it releases.