OBESITY, ADIPOSE TISSUE DYSFUNCTION AND ATHEROSCLEROSIS

Abstract

Obesity is becoming a major health problem around the globe and reported as a severe risk factor for insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension and atherosclerosis. Organ-specific distribution and the pattern of gene expression make visceral fat more atherogenic than subcutaneous fat. Adipose tissue expansion due to a high-calorie diet adversely affects the vessel wall by modulating blood pressure, systemic inflammation and glucose as well as lipid metabolism (dyslipidemia). Adipose tissue acts as an endocrine and paracrine organ that secretes various adipokines. In patients with obesity, altered secretion of adipokines leads to a chronic low-grade inflammatory state, which exerts detrimental effects on vascular endothelial cells, trigger atherosclerosis. This review focuses on the role of obesity in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. In the current scenario, obesity has been considered as a potential risk factor for the progression of Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Thus, this review gives a brief idea about a possible link between obesity, atherosclerosis and COVID-19.