INFLAMMATORY CHARACTERISTICS OF OBESITY

Currently, obesity is considered a low chronic inflammatory state. The alterations that occur into the expanding adipose tissue parallel the ones seen in a classic inflammatory process. However, the stimulus that triggers inflammation is still unknown. The consequences of the immune system activation are poorly understood. The inflammatory process is not just present at the adipose tissue level. In fact, it can be found in circulation, pancreas, liver and muscle (among other organs). Moreover, inflammation is playing a role on the pathophysiology of most of cardiovascular risk factors linked to obesity. The aim of this article was to review the current knowledge about this important topic. The understanding of the immune process linked to obesity would allow its clinic study and even the intervention.