Obesity, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk.

Obesity, a highly prevalent condition, is heterogeneous with regard to its impact on cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Epidemiological observations and metabolic investigations have consistently demonstrated that the accumulation of excess visceral fat is related to an increased risk of CVD as well as several metabolic and inflammatory perturbations. In the past decade, data from several studies have served to emphasize that atherosclerosis has an inflammatory component that may contribute to several key pathophysiological processes. Study data have also highlighted the finding that the expanded visceral fat is infiltrated by macrophages that conduct "cross-talk" with adipose tissue through several significant mechanisms. In this review, we provide, in the context of CVD risk, an up-to-date account of the complex interactions that occur between a dysfunctional adipose tissue phenotype and inflammation.