6533b851fe1ef96bd12aa066

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Role of adipokines in obesity-associated hypertension

A. K. PurhonenM. VlasovaJose Maria PascualEnrique RodillaKarl-heinz HerzigMarjo-riitta Järvelin

subject

medicine.medical_specialtyPhysiologybusiness.industryAdipose tissueAdipokinePhysiologyWhite adipose tissuemedicine.diseaseObesityEndocrinologyBlood pressureInternal medicinemedicineMetabolic syndromeRisk factorbusinessBody mass index

description

It has been well documented that obesity is a major risk factor for the development of the hypertensive state. The correlation between body mass index and blood pressure level is well established. Nevertheless, the exact mechanisms which contribute to obesity-related hypertension remain poorly understood. In the last years, we have realized that the white adipose tissue is not just an inert organ for nutrient storage and isolation but rather depending on the body mass index the biggest endocrinological organ. Thus, the possible contribution of adipokines to the blood pressure elevation becomes an attractive hypothesis to explain the hypertensive state that often occurs in obesity. In this review, we consider direct and indirect effects of main adipokines on structural and functional changes in the cardiovascular system.

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-1716.2010.02171.x