Genetics and the metabolic syndrome

Originally coined as “syndrome X” in 1988 by Gerald Reaven (1928), the metabolic syndrome (MetS) encompasses a constellation of risk factors, the coincidence of which amounts to an increased cardiovascular and diabetic risk. Rising numbers of dermatoses are being recognized as cutaneous markers of MetS. Dermatologis ts should look beyond treating the cutaneous condition and quantify the associated increase in cardiovascular risk. The original dermatosis associated with obesity was acanthosis nigricans—described in 1889 by Paul Gerson Unna (1850-1929) and Sigmund Pollitzer (1859-1937).
Source: Clinics in Dermatology - Category: Dermatology Authors: Source Type: research