Title:Obesity and Insulin Resistance: Associations with Chronic Inflammation, Genetic and Epigenetic Factors
VOLUME: 28 ISSUE: 4
Author(s):Amin Gasmi, Sadaf Noor, Alain Menzel, Alexandru Doşa, Lyudmila Pivina and Geir Bjørklund*
Affiliation:Societe Francophone de Nutritherapie et de Nutrigenetique Appliquee, Villeurbanne, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Laboratoires Réunis, Junglinster, Faculty of Medicine, Ovidius University of Constanta, Constanta, Semey Medical University, Semey, Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, 8610 Mo i Rana
Keywords:Obesity, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, genetic factors, epigenetics, nutrition.
Abstract:
Background: Obesity is known to be a multifactorial disease. In its pathogenesis,
different factors such as chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, genetic factors,
environmental effects, vegetative disturbance, and unbalanced nutrition play a significant
role.
Methodology: This study describes the association of obesity and insulin resistance with
chronic inflammation, genetic, and epigenetic factors. Previous literature has been reviewed
to explain the relation of obesity with those factors involved in chronic low-grade inflammation
and insulin.
Results: Obesity is associated with a decrease in ghrelin secretion, elevated plasma leptin levels,
oxidative stress, increased macrophage phagocytic activity, and the induction of proinflammatory
synthesis of cytokines and interferon-gamma. Obesity is linked to decreased
levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes and impaired detoxification processes. Deficiency
of vitamins and minerals can also play a significant role in the development of oxidative stress
and chronic inflammation in obesity. There is evidence of associations between a genetic predisposition
to obesity in children with elevated levels of certain miRNAs.
Conclusion: The purpose of the present review is an analysis of the multiple factors associated
with obesity.
