Obesity – a closer look to cell mechanisms disfunction

Abstract

Obesity is a complex, multifactorial condition, a major public health problem with an increasing prevalence worldwide. Obesity is characterized by an excess of adipose tissue, a low degree of chronic inflammation and disorders in the synthesis of biologically active hormones and peptides which intervene in regulating appetite and energy balance, immunity, insulin sensitivity, angiogenesis, blood pressure, lipid metabolism and homeostasis of the body. The visceral adipose tissue accumulation is accompanied by metabolic disorders that have as a substrate subclinical inflammation and signaling by intracellular pathways that lead to irreversible cellular structural and functional changes. The long-term impact of overweight and obesity translates into shortening life expectancy and disability, due to association with severe comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, oncological conditions. Therefore, understanding the cellular mechanisms involved in obesity may facilitate the highlighting of new possible therapeutic targets.

Keywords

• obesity
• inflammation
• adipocyte
• mechanisms
• signaling pathways