Metabolic Syndrome

Question 1

criteria for metabolic syndrome

Answer 1

3 of the following:
waist circumference: > 40 in. for men, > 35 in. for women
hypertrigylceridemia: > 150 mg/dL
low HDL: < 40 mg/dL for men, < 50 mg/dL for women
hypertention: > 130/85 mmHg
impaired fasting glucose: > 100 mg/dL

Question 2

what are the 2 key pathogenic factors in the development of metabolic syndrome?

Answer 2

insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia

Question 3

where do the two mechanisms of insulin resistance (inflammation and lipid overload) converge?

Answer 3

phosphorylation of IRS-1 –> inhibits glucose uptake by muscle cell

Question 4

laboratory test for suspicion of metabolic syndrome and the expected findings

Answer 4

fasting lipid profile: low HDL, elevated TGs, mild/moderate increase in LDL

Question 5

what drug is used to treat obesity related to metabolic syndrome? what is its mechanism?

Answer 5

orlistat: inhibits absorption of dietary fat by inhibiting gastric and pancreatic lipases

Question 6

what is acanthosis nigricans a sign of?

Answer 6

insulin resistance