Obesity: genetics and immunopathogenesis

Abstract

Background: variability of body weight in obese or overweight individuals can be attributed to genetic factors. There is a genetic classification of obesity according to these factors and in all of them there is evidence of a complex interaction between cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, with imbalances and alterations in homeostasis and control of inflammation of adipose tissue. Objective: to deepen into the genetic origin and immunopathogenesis of obesity, according to the updated scientific literature. Methods: a bibliographic review was carried out, in English and Spanish, through PubMed website and Google Scholar. The keywords used were: obesity, genetic factors, immune system, immunopathogenesis. Results: monogenic, syndromic and polygenic obesities, genes and genetic factors, the interaction between genetics and epigenetics, environment and microenvironment, as well as the main immunological pathogenic mechanisms involved are detailed. Obesity is predominantly of multifactorial origin, where genetic factors are essential components in genesis. In its pathogenesis, it involves an immune imbalance to proinflammatory predominance, which results in a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease. Conclusions: a review article was published with contents on the genetic origin and immunopathogenesis of obesity.

Keywords

• obesidad
• genética médica
• sistema inmunológico