REVIEWS   

Minerva Medica 2008 October;99(5):519-32

Copyright © 2008 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: Italian

Molecular aspects of obesity and related-pathologies

Buonsanti G.

Laboratorio di Analisi Cliniche del dott. A. Montemurro & C. S.a.s., Matera, Italia

The structure of human genetic machinery aimed at energy homeostasis has been set-up to face food deficiency rather than availability of a larger amount of calories compared with those needed for activities and works characterized by a little expenditure of energy. A epidemiologic-like, global-extended trend of obesity growth is observable, a condition associated with other pathologies that increase mobility and mortality in all ranges of ages. A correct management of obesity is a global challenge that involves both health improvement and socioeconomic aspects (i.e. costs sustained for management of obesity-linked pathologies, such the cardiovascular diseases, the type 2 diabetes as well as some type of tumors or neurologic diseases). This article analyzes recent scientific advancements on the mechanisms linking obesity to type 2 diabetes as well as the adipose tissue and intestinal apparatus’ molecular mechanisms that control the energy balance.