Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies for Obesity-Associated Coronary Artery Disease, an Imminent Military Epidemic
Abstract
There is an epidemic of obesity in the military. Obesity leads to insulin resistance syndromes, notably metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. The major cause of death in these syndromes is atherothrombotic vascular disease, including coronary artery disease. Therefore, when retired military personnel and their families reach middle age, there will be an epidemic of obesity-related vascular disease. We have made major progress on the key Tasks over the last year. We have completed our study on a commonly used drug for obesity-related diabetes, pioglitazone, showing that it promotes plaque progression in vivo (published in Circulation). This study is very important, because recent clinical studies have implicated this class of drugs in heart disease. Indeed, pioglitazone is being used and studied in military personnel. We have also made major progress in understanding how a particular property of adiponectin, a "beneficial" hormone that is decreased in obesity, may protect against obesity-related heart disease. Finally, we have made key discoveries related to apoptosis signaling that are relevant to the atherogenic action of angiotensin-2, a hormone that is increased in obesity. These studies set the stage in a completely new way for studying how this hormone promotes atherosclerosis in obese subjects.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2007
- Accession Number
- ADA502432
Entities
People
- Ira Tabas
Organizations
- Columbia University