Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Metabolic Syndrome: Lessons from Animal Models

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of medical conditions that synergistically increase the risk of heart diseases and diabetes. The current treatment strategy for metabolic syndrome focuses on treating its individual components. A highly effective agent for metabolic syndrome has yet to be developed. To develop a target for metabolic syndrome, the mechanism encompassing different organs - nervous system, pancreas, skeletal muscle, liver and adipose tissue - needs to be understood. Many animal models have been developed to understand the pathophysiology of metabolic syndrome. Promising molecular targets have emerged while characterizing these animals. Modulating these targets is expected to treat some components of metabolic syndrome. Objective: To discuss the emerging molecular targets in an animal model of metabolic syndrome. Methods: A literature search was performed for the retrieval of relevant articles. Conclusion: Multiple genes/pathways that play important role in the development of Metabolic Syndrome are discussed.