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Semin Thromb Hemost 2010; 36(1): 041-048
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1248723
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Disorders of Coagulation and Hemostasis in Abdominal Obesity: Emerging Role of Fatty Liver

Giovanni Targher1 , Giacomo Zoppini1 , Paolo Moghetti1 , Chris P. Day2
  • 1Section of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
  • 2Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
13 April 2010 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Abdominal obesity represents a public health concern because its prevalence is reaching epidemic proportions worldwide, and it is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and other pathological conditions. A large body of evidence suggests that abdominal obesity is associated with a prothrombotic tendency, which may, at least in part, contribute to the increased risk of atherothrombosis in these individuals. This review briefly summarizes the evidence of direct and indirect effects of the accumulation of excess lipid in visceral adipose tissue on coagulation and fibrinolysis. In addition, this article critically appraises the rapidly expanding body of experimental and clinical data that support a potential direct contribution for the accumulation of excess lipid in the liver (i.e., nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a very frequent pathological condition in subjects with abdominal obesity) in the pathogenesis of the obesity-induced disorders of coagulation and fibrinolysis.

KEYWORDS

Abdominal obesity - blood coagulation disorders - hemostatic factors - inflammation - insulin resistance - nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

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Dr. Giovanni Targher

Section of Endocrinology, Department of Biomedical and Surgical Sciences, University of Verona

Ospedale Civile Maggiore, Piazzale Stefani, 1, 37126 Verona, Italy

Email: giovanni.targher@univr.it