Inflammation, stress, and diabetes

TLDR

Evidence over the last decade has linked metabolism and immunity, showing that obesity is associated with chronic low‑level inflammation. The article aims to elucidate the molecular and cellular mechanisms linking obesity‑induced inflammation to diabetes, exploring signaling pathways at the intersection of metabolism and immunity. The authors review and synthesize current evidence on the signaling pathways and cellular processes that mediate obesity‑induced inflammation and its role in diabetes, proposing a conceptual model integrating metabolic and inflammatory pathways.

Abstract

Over the last decade, an abundance of evidence has emerged demonstrating a close link between metabolism and immunity. It is now clear that obesity is associated with a state of chronic low-level inflammation. In this article, we discuss the molecular and cellular underpinnings of obesity-induced inflammation and the signaling pathways at the intersection of metabolism and inflammation that contribute to diabetes. We also consider mechanisms through which the inflammatory response may be initiated and discuss the reasons for the inflammatory response in obesity. We put forth for consideration some hypotheses regarding important unanswered questions in the field and suggest a model for the integration of inflammatory and metabolic pathways in metabolic disease.