Dyslipidemia and Obesity

Dear Colleagues,

Excess body fat and/or abnormal body composition underlies “atherogenic dyslipidemia”, a risk burden for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Atherogenic dyslipidemia is characterized by reduced levels of high density lipoprotein (HDL), and increased levels of triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids during the post-absorptive state. Unlike, isolated hypercholesterolemia, atherogenic dyslipidemia can be reversed by a ten percent weight reduction through persistent lifestyle modification. How do changes in body composition alter lipid metabolism and risk burden for cardiovascular disease? Some investigators find subcutaneous adipose tissue protective and dysfunctional subcutaneous adipose tissue a major risk burden for CVD. Others suggest that lower subcutaneous adipose tissue is most protective and still others find visceral adipose tissue to be a major risk burden. Still there are other cases of abnormal body composition, such as “sarcopenic obesity” that are associated with atherogenic dyslipidemia. In this special issue of Nutrients we shall examine emerging mechanisms of adipose tissue and/or muscle dysfunction that cause abnormalities in lipid metabolism and increase risk for cardiovascular disease.

Prof. Dr. Gloria Lena Vega
Guest Editor