Preface

Lifestyle-related diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, are caused by an unbalanced diet and irregular, undesirable lifestyle. These diseases result in a condition called metabolic syndrome, which is caused by insulin resistance associated with obesity, and, rather like dominoes falling, they develop one after another. The incidence of obesity and metabolic syndrome continues to increase owing to changes in dietary habits and work environments in both developed and developing countries. Particularly in Asian countries, the problem of obesity and metabolic syndrome in people with obesity genes is a serious social issue that needs to be solved.

Studies on adipokines and batokines secreted by adipose tissue as paracrine factors have revealed the mechanisms underlying the onset of metabolic syndrome and the relationship of non-alcoholic hepatitis, cancer, and dementia with metabolic syndrome. Recently, the effects of interventions such as lifestyle modification have also been investigated.

This book deals with the latest topics related to lifestyle-related diseases and metabolic syndrome in three important ways. First, it provides an overview of the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome and its characteristics. Second, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and hypertension, brain function, and non-alcoholic hepatitis is discussed. Finally, the therapeutic effects of herbs and interventions on lifestyle-related diseases in Japan and Africa are addressed. These chapters provide important information for the active treatment of metabolic syndrome and lifestyle-related diseases.

I would like to thank Mrs. Maja Bozicevic and the staff of IntechOpen Publishers for their invaluable support with the writing and publication of this book.

> **Naofumi Shiomi** Kobe College, Nishinomiya, Japan

**1**

**Chapter 1**

*Naofumi Shiomi*

**1. Introduction**

and its pre-groups.

**2. Mechanisms triggering MetS**

Introductory Chapter: An

and Its Prevention

Overview of Metabolic Syndrome

Diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, chronic

In this introductory chapter of the book, I will outline (1) the mechanism of MetS and (2) recent research trends on the effective use of brown and beige adipocytes,

White adipose tissue (WAT) predominantly contains white adipocytes that are accountable for triglyceride storage. They also serve as endocrine organs by secreting diverse hormones, including adipokines. More than 10 hormones and miRNAs, including TNF-α, PAI-1, leptin, adiponectin, resistin, apelin, and chemelin, are

which have gained attention as an approach for enhancing MetS reserves.

renal failure, and nonalcoholic hepatitis, are caused by incorrect diet, irregular lifestyle, and environmental factors. Hence, these diseases are called "lifestyle-related diseases" in Japan. They are characterized by the onset of obesity and the concomitant development of one or more other diseases. In the group with diabetes, the risk of developing hypertension is twice and that of ischemic heart disease is approximately thrice as high. The risk of heart disease augments with an increase in the number of diverse risk factors, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and heart disease, poses about 36 times higher risk when 3–4 risk factors are present simultaneously [1]. Furthermore, these diseases are known to enhance the risk of cancer, immunodeficiency, aging, and dementia, which are not directly linked to lifestylerelated diseases [2, 3]. This condition wherein diseases develop one after another, such as domino falling, triggered by obesity, is termed "metabolic syndrome (MetS)" [4]. The number of obese and MetS patients continues to rise not only in developed but also in developing countries with altering diets and environments, and it is reported that 18% of individuals over 19 years of age are obese globally [5]. According to a 2015–2016 survey in the United States, 39.8% of adults were obese, and diabetes and prediabetes rates were 9.4% and 33.9%, respectively [6]. In China, the incidence of MetS has increased by 2% in urban areas over the past decade since 1992, reaching 15.5% in 2017 [7]. According to a study by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, one in two men and one in five women over the age of 40 years fall into MetS

#### **Chapter 1**
