Multifactorial Basis and Therapeutic Strategies in Metabolism-Related Diseases

Abstract

Throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, the incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), also known as chronic diseases, has been increasing worldwide. Changes in dietary and physical activity patterns, along with genetic conditions, are the main factors that modulate the metabolism of individuals, leading to the development of NCDs. Obesity, diabetes, metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are classified in this group of chronic diseases. Therefore, understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms of these diseases leads us to develop more accurate and effective treatments to reduce or mitigate their prevalence in the population. Given the global relevance of NCDs and ongoing research progress, this article reviews the current understanding about NCDs and their related risk factors, with a focus on obesity, diabetes, MAFLD, and CVDs, summarizing the knowledge about their pathophysiology and highlighting the currently available and emerging therapeutic strategies, especially pharmacological interventions. All of these diseases play an important role in the contamination by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, as well as in the progression and severity of the symptoms of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, we briefly explore the relationship between NCDs and COVID-19.

Keywords: MAFLD; NCDs; cardiovascular diseases; diabetes; metabolism; obesity.

Figure 1

Hallmarks of non-communicable diseases. Scheme with the main characteristics and complications of the NCDs represented in 5-way Veen diagram and their relationship with COVID-19. Obesity is shown in the brown, metabolic associated fatty liver disease—MAFLD—in the blue, cardiovascular diseases—CVDs—in the pink, and diabetes mellitus in the yellow. The relationship between the diseases are shown in the intersections.