Affiliations: Department of Epidemiology, German Institute of Human
Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
Note: [] Tobias Pischon, MD, MPH, Dept. of Epidemiology, German Institute
of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Arthur-Scheunert-Allee 114-116, 14558
Nuthetal, Germany. Tel.: +49 33200/88711; Fax: +49 33200/88721; E-mail:
pischon@dife.de
Abstract: Obesity is an established risk factor for cardiovascular disease
(CVD), yet, the underlying mechanisms are only poorly understood. The adipose
tissue produces a variety of hormones and cytokines and thereby actively
participates in a network of biomarkers that may be relevant for the
development of CVD. Such obesity biomarkers have a great potential to better
characterize the obesity phenotype that may be relevant for the risk of CVD
beyond anthropometric parameters. They may be used to support mechanistic
studies, to help identify individuals at risk for CVD, and to evaluate the
effect of preventive measures. The present article discusses the role of some
of the most promising obesity biomarkers in cardiovascular epidemiology,
including inflammatory markers, adiponectin, resistin, and fetuin-A.
Importantly, some of these markers have been related to cardiovascular risk
even after accounting for anthropometric parameters. Further, the potential
ability to manipulate blood levels of some of these biomarkers through
medication, diet and lifestyle make them attractive markers for cardiovascular
risk. However, many open questions remain – especially with regard to the
causal role of the factors as well as with regard to the extent of improvement
in CVD prediction by these markers – before measurement of these biomarkers
may be recommended on a public health level.
