Obesity, Cardiovascular Diseases and COVID-19

Abstract

Obesity is a metabolic disorder which is emerging as a worldwide epidemic. It is often associated with diabetes, hypertension and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs). High calorie intake/nutrition causes excess deposition of Free Fatty Acids (FFA) in adipose tissue, which later transports those FFA to the liver for further metabolic activities, resulting in dyslipidemia. However, altered secretion of adipokines plays an important role in the pathophysiology of obesity related complications via low grade chronic inflammation. Adipokine like Interleukin-6 (IL-6) favour endothelial dysfunction by stimulating monocyte to macrophage differentiation using adhesion molecules. Secretion of the Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) components and angiotensin-II activity promotion are considered the additional functions of adipose tissue. Indeed, all these aspects of adipose tissues have been evidenced for the development and the progression of CVDs. Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) is a worldwide pandemic affecting millions of people. Pre-existing obesity and CVDs have been suggested as a potential risk factor for increased severity of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in patients. Therefore, this review focuses on the possible role of obesity related CVDs as a significant risk factor for COVID-19 severity.