Síndrome metabólico. Concepto y fisiopatología

The pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome involves altered glucose and lipid metabolism, and proinflammatory and prothrombotic states. All of these abnormalities appear to be linked to insulin resistance, which is associated with an increase in the free fatty acid level, usually due to obesity. This condition disturbs cellular glucose management and hepatic synthesis. In addition, lipid metabolism is also impaired by insulin resistance. In these circumstances, hypertriglyceridemia and HDL hypocholesterolemia both develop. Moreover, hypertension is related to altered insulin regulation and impaired autonomic nervous system activity. In addition to the well-demonstrated relationship with atherosclerosis, recently metabolic syndrome has also been associated with steatohepatitis and polycystic ovary syndrome.