Endothelial dysfunction in metabolic syndrome: Prevalence, pathogenesis and management

Tziomalos, K.; Athyros, V.G.; Karagiannis, A.; Mikhailidis, D.P.

doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2009.08.006

« Previous Next »Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases
Volume 20, Issue 2 , Pages 140-146, February 2010

Endothelial dysfunction in metabolic syndrome: Prevalence, pathogenesis and management

K. Tziomalos
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry (Vascular Prevention Clinic), Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK
- Department of Surgery, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK
V.G. Athyros
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
A. Karagiannis
- Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Aristotle University, Hippokration Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
D.P. Mikhailidis
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry (Vascular Prevention Clinic), Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK
- Department of Surgery, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College Medical School, University College London (UCL), London, UK
- Corresponding author at: Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Hospital Campus, University College Medical School, University College London (UCL), Pond Street, London NW3 2QG, UK. Tel.: +44 20 7830 2258; fax: +44 20 7830 2235.

Received 9 March 2009; received in revised form 9 June 2009; accepted 3 August 2009. published online 15 October 2009.

Abstract

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is characterized by the presence of central obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Several studies showed that MetS is associated with increased risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and vascular events. All components of MetS have adverse effects on the endothelium. Endothelial dysfunction plays a role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and might also increase the risk for insulin resistance and T2DM. We review the prevalence and pathogenesis of endothelial dysfunction in MetS. We also discuss the potential effects of lifestyle measures and pharmacological interventions on endothelial function in these patients. It remains to be established whether improving endothelial function in MetS will reduce the risk for T2DM and vascular events.

keywords: Metabolic syndrome, Endothelial dysfunction, Lifestyle measures, Statins, Metformin