title: Metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney, and cardiovascular diseases: role of adipokines.
abstract: Obesity is a chronic disease, whose incidence is alarmingly growing. It is associated with metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular complications. These complications are clustered in the metabolic syndrome (MetS) leading to high cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Obesity predisposes to diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephrosclerosis, and focal and segmental glomerular sclerosis and represents an independent risk factor for the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Albuminuria is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Microalbuminuria has been described as early manifestation of MetS-associated kidney damage and diabetic nephropathy. Obesity and MetS affect renal physiology and metabolism through mechanisms which include altered levels of adipokines such as leptin and adiponectin, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Secretory products of adipose tissue also deeply and negatively influence endothelial function. A better understanding of these interactions will help in designing more effective treatments aimed to protect both renal and cardiovascular systems.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicina Interna, Università di Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy.
authors.forename: Manfredi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tesauro
authors.forename: Maria Paola
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Canale
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Rodia
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Di Daniele
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lauro
authors.forename: Angelo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Scuteri
authors.forename: Carmine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cardillo