Inflammation: the link between insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes.

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Inflammation: the link between insulin resistance, obesity and diabetes.

Dandona P, Aljada A, Bandyopadhyay A.

Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, State University of New

York at Buffalo and Kaleida Health, 3 Gates Circle, Buffalo, NY 14209, USA.

pdondona@...

Recent data have revealed that the plasma concentration of inflammatory

mediators, such as tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and

interleukin-6 (IL-6), is increased in the insulin resistant states of

obesity and type 2 diabetes, raising questions about the mechanisms

underlying inflammation in these two conditions. It is also intriguing that

an increase in inflammatory mediators or indices predicts the future

development of obesity and diabetes. Two mechanisms might be involved in the

pathogenesis of inflammation. Firstly, glucose and macronutrient intake

causes oxidative stress and inflammatory changes. Chronic overnutrition

(obesity) might thus be a proinflammatory state with oxidative stress.

Secondly, the increased concentrations of TNF-alpha and IL-6, associated

with obesity and type 2 diabetes, might interfere with insulin action by

suppressing insulin signal transduction. This might interfere with the

anti-inflammatory effect of insulin, which in turn might promote

inflammation.

Publication Types:

* Review

* Review, Tutorial

PMID: 14698276 [PubMed - indexed for ME