Internal Medicine: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Obesity and Increased Risk for Atherosclerosis and Cancer

Marcello Camici, Fabio Galetta and Angelo Carpi

During obesity and overweight is present in adipose tissue an imbalance in macrophage activation polarization with prevalence of M1 phenotype. This functional phenotype promotes a proinflammatory state characterized by Th1 type response sustained with a mechanism of cross-talk between macrophages and adipocytes. Obesity-related dysregulation in adipokines secretion and derangement in sex steroid hormone metabolism such as insulin may concur also. These changes may contribute to the development of atherosclerosis and cancer.