In the last few years hsCRP (C reactive protein), a marker of inflammation, has been used to predict heart disease and stroke. New finding suggest that the hormone resistin may be a better predictor of heart trouble.
Previously in this blog there have been a number of posts about belly fat, how it is different from other fat and is considered an endocrine (hormone-producing organ). See the post Potential new way to fight diabetes. In this post the macrophages (a type of immune cell) in the belly fat are discussed.
One of the hormones that is put out by belly fat is resistin. Resistin is a hormone that has been shown to be involved with inflammation. Macrophages within the fat secrete resistin into the body. This then will cause chronic (continual) inflammation responses in the body.
Chronic inflammation has been shown to be important in all aspects of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke, and in diabetes.
Recently it has been demonstrated that smooth muscle cells, which are the muscle cells surrounding blood vessels can also make resistin when they are under hypoxic (short of oxygen) conditions. Hypoxic conditions occur when blood vessels start to get blocked. So a combination of having belly fat, and blood vessels that are blocking the blood vessel could increase the rate of blockage.
It has been shown that high levels of resistin are a predictor of dying after having had a heart attack. A study presented at the annual meeting of the American Heart Association found that resistin levels were a better predictor of the heart failure than other current markers such as CRP.
If you needed it, another reason to try to lose belly fat.
The last two weeks were my first experience of being on a jury. It was one of the most stressful, depressing, all consuming experiences, of my life. Not one that I will ever forget.
[tags]resistin, inflammation, belly fat, cardiovascular disease, heart disease, stroke, diabetes[/tags]
