Inflammation: The Link Between Obesity and Cardiovascular Risk

It is now clear that adipose tissue is more than just an area for fat storage, as suggested by a large body of recent literature. Fat, in particular abdominal depots, is an active source of biological mediators, which affect metabolic pathways and vascular function. These effects seem to be in part related to inflammation, especially in the pathogenesis and progression of atherosclerosis. As cardiovascular pathology, in particular coronary artery disease, still represents one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in Western countries, the need for markers to make a correct risk stratification of patients is rising with the increasing complexity of treatment strategies now available. Thus, molecules produced by adipose tissue, known as adipocytokines, have been studied largely for their potential use as biomarkers both in primary and secondary prevention. The aim of this article is to examine recent evidence about the main adipocytokines, including leptin, adiponectin, resistin, and C-reactive protein, of which adipose tissue an important source.