Metabolic syndrome is a low-grade systemic inflammatory condition

Abstract

An increase in proinflammatory cytokines, a decrease in endothelial nitric oxide and adiponectin levels and an alteration in hypothalamic peptides and gastrointestinal hormones that regulate satiety, hunger and food intake all occur in metabolic syndrome. Consumption of a diet that is energy dense and rich in saturated and trans-fats by pregnant women and lactating mothers, in childhood and adult life may trigger changes in the hypothalamic and gut peptides and hormones. Such changes modulate immune response and inflammation and lead to alterations in the hypothalamic ‘bodyweight/appetite/satiety set point’ and result in the initiation and development of the metabolic syndrome. Roux-en-gastric bypass induces weight loss, decreases the levels of cytokines and restores hypothalamic neuropeptides and gut hormones and the hypothalamic bodyweight/appetite/satiety set point to normal. Thus, metabolic syndrome is a low-grade systemic inflammatory condition with its origins in the perinatal period and childhood.