Visceral obesity and cardiometabolic risk: features of hormonal and immune regulation

Abstract

The issue of the prognostic value of obesity in the development of cardiovascular diseases still remains open. Different input of visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissue in the formation of cardiometabolic risk is highlighted in many research works. A range of epidemiological studies provides data confirming relation of the visceral adiposity with abnormal metabolic profile and increased cardiovascular risk, while subcutaneous adipose tissue is attributed with relative protective properties. Pathophysiological mechanisms mediating interconnection of visceral adiposity with the development of atherosclerosis remain studied incompletely. It was stated that sex hormones, estrogens and androgens, participate in the redistribution of adipose tissue, sustenance of energy homeostasis, influence on the secretion of adipokines and immune regulation of adipose tissue. Meanwhile cells of immune system, including cells of the adaptive immunity, widely presented in adipose tissue contribute to the development of the local subclinical inflammation and influence on the features of cardiometabolic effects of adipose tissue. The review discusses possible mechanisms, by which abovementioned relationships are executed and cardiovascular risk in obesity is realized.