Mechanism of inflammation and neuroendocrine dysregulation in obesity

Obesity is a pathological condition in which there is increased volume of adipose tissue. This state has a multifactorial and complex etiology and is a risk factor for some diseases. This research aims to address the inflammatory and neuroendocrine mechanisms involved in obesity. This is a descriptive literature review based on scientific articles, books and journals. The search used the following descriptors: adipose tissue, immune system, proinflammatory cytokines, adipokine production, and energy deregulation. In the obese state, excessive fat accumulation causes adipose tissue dysfunction that contributes to increased inflammation and altered adipokine secretion, generating imbalance in energy homeostasis and evidencing the emergence of other obesity-related diseases. In addition, hypothalamic inflammation has been associated with neuroendocrine dysregulation, favoring the development and progression of obesity. Thus, the understanding of the inflammatory aspects involved in obesity is extremely important to understand the mechanisms of energy deregulation and to assist in the prevention and treatment of obesity.