Over the past decades, overweight, obesity and type 2 diabetes have become major health issues in the U.S. and many other countries. Those conditions, often referred to as metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the scientific literature have a strong connection to the western diet rich in monosugars and fats.
The metabolic syndrome is a complex of symptoms that include elevated waist circumference, elevated serum triglyceride levels, dysglycemia, elevated blood pressure and reduced HDL-associated cholesterol. While numerous drugs have been developed to improve the symptoms associated with MetS, such as metformin, rosiglitazone, etc., anecdotal reports and many scientific studies have reported that regular consumption of green tea and compounds found in green tea, most namely polyphenols, have beneficial effects on body weight and the metabolic syndrome.
Some metabolomic studies strongly indicate that green tea extract supplementation leads to increased lipolysis and fat oxidation. Some scientists propose that the AMPK enzyme might be the key mediator of the beneficial effects of green tea on the MetS.
Do some further supplemental research on NCBI Pubmed (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) on this week’s topic.
Then engage in a discussion with your class mates where you should try to address the following:
Which metabolic pathways have been brought in connection with MetS? Are those increased or decreased in MetS patients?
Which hormones have been brought in connection with MetS? Are the levels of those mentioned in scientific literature increased or decreased in MetS patients?
What are the chemical properties of the green tea polyphenol EGCG?
Which role does AMPK play in the complex metabolic syndrome picture? Is it up- or down regulated?
What is the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress in MetS?
Discuss the latter aspect with respect to the chemical properties of the green tea polyphenols and redox regulation of the AMPK enzyme.
Full Answer Section
- Inflammation pathway: Inflammation is a normal immune response, but too much inflammation can be harmful. In people with MetS, there is often an increase in inflammation, which can contribute to the development of other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
- Oxidative stress pathway: Oxidative stress is a condition that occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to neutralize them. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells. In people with MetS, there is often an increase in oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
It is important to note that these are just some of the metabolic pathways that have been linked to MetS. The exact mechanisms by which these pathways are involved in the development of MetS are still being studied.
In terms of whether these pathways are increased or decreased in MetS patients, the answer is both. For example, the insulin signaling pathway is impaired in MetS patients, which means that the activity of this pathway is decreased. However, the production of triglycerides is often increased in MetS patients, which means that the activity of this pathway is increased.
The complex interplay of these and other metabolic pathways is likely what contributes to the development of MetS. More research is needed to fully understand these pathways and how they can be targeted to prevent and treat MetS.
In addition to the metabolic pathways mentioned above, there are a number of other factors that are thought to contribute to the development of MetS, including:
- Genetics: Some people are more genetically predisposed to MetS than others.
- Age: MetS is more common in older adults.
- Race/ethnicity: MetS is more common in certain racial and ethnic groups, such as African Americans and Hispanics.
- Physical activity: People who are physically inactive are more likely to develop MetS.
- Diet: A diet high in unhealthy fats, sugar, and calories can increase the risk of MetS.
- Stress: Stress can also contribute to the development of MetS.
If you are concerned that you may have MetS, it is important to talk to your doctor. There are a number of things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing MetS, including:
- Losing weight: If you are overweight or obese, losing even a small amount of weight can help to improve your insulin sensitivity and reduce your risk of MetS.
- Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It should also be low in unhealthy fats, sugar, and calories.
- Being physically active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week.
- Managing stress: Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.
By making these lifestyle changes, you can help to reduce your risk of developing MetS and improve your overall health.