IMPACT OF METABOLIC SYNDROME ON LUNG FUNCTION AND ALVEOLAR TISSUE STRUCTURAL CHANGES

Latibjonov M.A

first-year morphology student Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Usmonov R.J

Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Keywords: metabolic syndrome, lung function, alveolar morphology, inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, spirometry, immunohistochemistry, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, pulmonary hypertension, IL-6, TNF-α, oxidative stress markers


Abstract

Metabolic syndrome (MetS), defined by a constellation of conditions including central obesity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, represents a significant global health challenge due to its association with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Emerging research indicates that MetS contributes to pulmonary dysfunction by inducing morphological changes in the lung’s respiratory components, particularly the alveoli and bronchioles, potentially increasing susceptibility to chronic respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and pulmonary hypertension. This study investigates the interplay between MetS and lung tissue remodeling, focusing on alveolar structure, inflammatory profiles, oxidative stress markers, and lung function parameters. Through a combination of histological analysis, immunohistochemistry, spirometry, and biochemical assays, we analyzed lung tissue and blood samples from 100 MetS patients and 100 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Our findings revealed significant alveolar wall thickening, increased collagen deposition, elevated inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 [IL-6], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNF-α]), heightened oxidative stress (increased malondialdehyde [MDA], reduced superoxide dismutase [SOD]), and impaired lung function in MetS patients. These results suggest that MetS promotes structural and functional pulmonary impairments, driven by chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which may predispose individuals to respiratory diseases. This study underscores the critical need for early pulmonary screening in MetS patients to mitigate long-term complications and highlights potential therapeutic targets, such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant interventions, for managing MetS-related lung pathology.


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