Metabolic syndrome X: an inflammatory condition?

Abstract

Obesity, atherosclerosis, insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, essential hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease (CHD) are the components of metabolic syndrome X and are associated with elevated plasma levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, which are markers of inflammation. This suggests that metabolic syndrome X is a low-grade, systemic, inflammatory condition. Hence, instituting anti-inflammatory measures might be beneficial in preventing or halting the progress of metabolic syndrome X in high-risk populations.