Metabolic Syndrome Flashcards
What is the definition of metabolic syndrome?
A condition characterized by the coexistence of metabolic abnormalities, including central obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol, glucose intolerance, and hypertension.
What are the diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome?
At least three of the following:
* Waist circumference >102 cm (men) or >88 cm (women)
* Triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL
* HDL cholesterol <40 mg/dL (men) or <50 mg/dL (women)
* Blood pressure ≥130/85 mmHg
* Fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dL
Why is metabolic syndrome clinically significant?
It increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.
What are the major risk factors for metabolic syndrome?
Sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, obesity, insulin resistance, aging, and genetics.
What is the main preventive approach for metabolic syndrome?
Lifestyle modifications, including healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management.
What is oxidative stress?
A state of imbalance where the production of free radicals exceeds the body’s ability to neutralize them, leading to cellular damage.
What are free radicals?
Highly reactive molecules with unpaired electrons that can damage DNA, proteins, and lipids.
What are some common types of free radicals?
- Superoxide anion (O₂°⁻)
- Hydroxyl radical (OH°)
- Nitric oxide radical (NO°)
- Peroxyl radical (ROO°)
What are the main sources of free radicals?
Smoking, UV radiation, pollution, chronic inflammation, poor diet, excessive exercise, and heavy metal exposure.
What are antioxidants?
Molecules that neutralize free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage.
Name three enzymatic antioxidants.
- Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
- Catalase
- Glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
What are the non-enzymatic antioxidants?
Vitamins A, C, and E, carotenoids, flavonoids, selenium, and zinc.
What is the significance of malondialdehyde (MDA)?
It is a marker of lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress.
What are the consequences of oxidative stress?
DNA mutations (cancer), protein degradation (arthritis), lipid oxidation (atherosclerosis), and glucose oxidation (diabetes complications).
How is aging defined in biochemical terms?
A gradual decline in physiological functions, increasing susceptibility to diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and neurodegenerative conditions.
What are common biochemical markers of aging?
- Total cholesterol (TC)
- NT-proBNP (for cardiovascular aging)
- Cystatin C (for renal function)
- Inflammatory markers (hs-CRP)
- Bone resorption markers (ICTP, D-Pyr)
What is the role of oxidative stress in aging?
Oxidative damage accumulates over time, leading to cellular dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and age-related diseases.
How does menopause affect biochemical markers?
Menopause leads to decreased estrogen and progesterone, increased LH and FSH, and higher risk of osteoporosis due to vitamin D deficiency.
What is the link between inflammation and aging?
Chronic low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) contributes to atherosclerosis, joint diseases, and neurodegenerative conditions.
What are tumor markers?
Substances produced by cancerous cells or released into blood/urine that help in cancer detection, prognosis, and treatment monitoring.
What are the characteristics of an ideal tumor marker?
High sensitivity, specificity, reflects tumor burden, predicts prognosis, and detects recurrence.
Name three tumor markers and their associated cancers.
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) – Prostate cancer
- CA 15-3 – Breast cancer
- AFP (Alpha-fetoprotein) – Liver and testicular cancer
What is CEA (Carcinoembryonic Antigen) used for?
It is a tumor marker for colorectal and lung cancers.
How is β-hCG (beta-human chorionic gonadotropin) related to cancer?
It is a tumor marker for testicular and trophoblastic cancers.
Why is CA 19-9 significant?
It is a tumor marker associated with pancreatic cancer.
