Inflammation, Immunity and Cardiometabolic Syndrome

Cardiometabolic Syndrome (CMS) remains one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Western and other countries. Recent evidence shows that dysregulation of the immune system and inflammatory pathways play a pivotal role in CMS. Oxidative stress can damage practically all larger biomolecules in the cell, such as membrane lipids, proteins, and DNA. This will cause pathologically relevant oxidative stress and serious metabolic dysfunctions such as lipid peroxidation and arteriosclerosis. Immunity-related cell types and cytokines may contribute to different physiological and pathological responses in maintaining metabolic homeostasis and the healing process. Innate and adaptive immune responses mediate neuroendocrine disturbance and vascular inflammation leading to CMS. Phytonutrients known to affect immunity and infection risk, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant capacity nutrients particularly relevant to cardiometabolic syndrome will be discussed. More research in this emerging area is warranted.