This NextBio Group aims to use the wealth of available life science information to explore, discover and discuss topics concerning Metabolic Syndrome X. Under ‘Projects’ you will find specific topics populated by relevant experimental studies containing differentially expressed gene signatures.

As a combination of several disorders, Metabolic Syndrome X is perhaps the most complex and pervasive medical condition. Patients present clinical signs of Diabetes, Obesity, Dyslipidemia, Hypertension and Heart Disease that may all require some level of therapeutic attention. Diverse organs and tissues from pancreas, liver, muscle, adipose, blood, intestine and brain all exhibit distinctive physiological changes from the norm. Molecular pathways are likewise broadly affected and complex. Commercial and academic efforts to understand the complexity, improve patient health and avoid drug toxicities have been largely ineffective in alleviating this condition. Using NextBio content and community, this group will discover novel insights into this complex syndrome and in the process bring meaning to a great deal of important new biology.

Glucose and fatty acid metabolism pathways are targeted by diverse classes of drugs used to treat clinical presentations of Metabolic Syndrome X.
http://www.nextbio.com/b/search/ov/fatty%20acid%20metabolism

Fibrates, as agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor a (PPARA), increase fatty acid metabolism and improve HDL and triglyceride levels in patients with dyslipidemia, hypercholesterolemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Many fibrate expression signatures can be examined in NextBio: Fenofibrate (8), Clofibrate (7), Gemfibrozil (6), Bezafibrate (5) and Ciprofibrate (2).
http://www.nextbio.com/b/search/ov/Fenofibrate

Thiazolidinediones (TZD) also target a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPARG) improving insulin resistance. Many TZD expression signatures can be examined in NextBio: Avandia::Rosiglitazone (17), Actos::Pioglitazone (7) and Rezulin::Troglitazone (5).
http://www.nextbio.com/b/search/ov/Rosiglitazone

Statins target hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMGCR) and inhibits the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Many statin expression signatures can be examined in NextBio: Zocor::simvastatin (8), Lipitor::atorvastatin (7), Mevacor::lovastatin (6), Lescol::fluvastatin (5), Baycol::cerivastatin (4), Pravachol::pravastatin (2) and Crestor::rosuvastatin (1).
http://www.nextbio.com/b/search/ov/Simvastatin?id=4940670&type=compound&synonym=Simvastat...

Biguanides, like Metformin (4) and Phenformin (2) decrease hepatic glucose production to reduce hyperglycemia.
http://www.nextbio.com/b/search/ov/Metformin

Sulfonylureas - increase insulin release from the beta cells in the pancreas. Tolazamide (4), Glipizide (5), Gliclazide (2), Gliquidone (1) and Glimepiride (4).
http://www.nextbio.com/b/search/ov/Glimepiride

Hypertension is commonly treated with various drug classes that improve blood pressure regulation:

Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme or ACE inhibitors are primarily used in the treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure. ACE inhibitors lower arteriolar resistance and increase venous capacity; increase cardiac output and cardiac index, stroke work and volume, lower renovascular resistance, and lead to increased natriuresis (sodium excretion in urine). Related expression signatures, literature and Clinical Trials can be examined in NextBio: captopril (3), enalapril (2), lisinopril (2), ramipril (3), Benazepril (1) and Fosinopril (1).
http://www.nextbio.com/b/search/ov/ramipril?type=compound

Angiotensin II receptor antagonists may be used when ACE inhibitors are not tolerated: Angiotensin II (2), telmisartan (2), irbesartan (2), candesartan (2), CP-529414.
http://www.nextbio.com/b/search/ov/candesartan

Calcium channel blockers: nifedipine (3), Norvasc::amlodipine (3), diltiazem (2), verapamil (2).
http://www.nextbio.com/b/search/ov/nifedipine

Diuretics decrease blood volume through increased urine production: bendroflumethiazide (2), chlortalidone (2), hydrochlorothiazide (2).
http://www.nextbio.com/b/search/ov/bendroflumethiazide

Other drug groups used include:

Alpha blockers such as prazosin, or terazosin. Doxazosin increases risk of heart failure and is less effective than simple diuretics.

Beta blockers atenolol, labetalol, metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL), propranolol. Once first line agents, now less used due to the risk of diabetes.

Direct renin inhibitors such as aliskiren (Tekturna) may be prescribed.