Question

Answer the following about metabolic syndrome in as much detail as you can recall (10 pts)
         i. What is metabolic syndrome and what are the causes or the conditions that cause and/or associated with metabolic syndrome? (3 pts)
             (type answer here)

         ii. What are the metabolic/biochemical characteristics of metabolic syndrome? (remember this is a biochemistry class and pathway and signaling and specific reaction discussions should be included with this answer – what pathways are affected and what is happening to them? ) (4 pts)
            (type answer here)

          iii. What factors have been shown to help alleviate the effects of metabolic syndrome and their effects on metabolism? Explain why these factors or changes have had these effects on metabolic syndrome

Answer 1

i. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions occuring together and leading to further health complications. These conditions include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist with abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels leading to the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. A large waist circumference is a visible sign of metabolic syndrome. Overeating and aggressive life style can lead to these conditions.

ii. Overeating leads to the accumulation of excess glucose as glycogen in muscles and liver. Glucose is converted to triglycerides. The metabolic syndrome can be induced by overfeeding with sugar and fructose particularly with high fat diet. Fat including cholesterol accumulate in adipose tissues leading to obesity, protruding abdomen and large circumference to waist. The increased visceral fat leads to decreased insulin resistance. The increase in adipose tissue also increases the number of immune cells which play a role in inflammation. Chronic inflammation contributes to increased risk of hypertension, atherosclerosis and diabetes. Impairment in glucose tolerance leads to other complications like hyperglycemia, glucosuria, enhanced fat and protein catabolism, peripheral neuropathy, thickening of vascular membranes, cataract, sensory-motor dysfunctions, polyuria, polydypsia, coma etc.

iii. Making changes in life style is the most important factor. From a sedentary and aggressive life to a bodily activities and peaceful life. Yoga and meditation helps. Avoid overeating and follow a fasting day in a month can help to reduce fat. Consume a healthy diet and avoid oily overfried food items. Include omega-3 fatty acid insead of omega-6 in every day diet.