Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a collection of risk factors that should be
evaluated for cardiovascular diseases, which are increasing in frequency worldwide. It
is a prothrombotic and proinflammatory condition in which insulin resistance plays a
central role and manifests itself with abdominal obesity, high triglyceride levels,
atherogenic dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and high blood glucose. The intestinalblood barrier, also known as the intestinal barrier, plays an important role in
maintaining the homeostasis of the organism. The intestinal barrier ensures nutrient
uptake through the lumen and at the same time restricts the passage of harmful
substances. Increasing evidence suggests a relationship between intestinal barrier
function and other body systems. Many studies have identified insulin resistance and
metabolic syndrome as risk factors for reflux oesophagitis. Insulin resistance is also
associated with metabolic syndrome and is known as a fundamental factor in its
development. Abdominal obesity in particular is an independent risk factor for erosive
esophagitis and increases the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux. Subcutaneous and
visceral adipose tissues, the main feature of MetS, secrete a variety of bioactive
substances known as adipocytokines. Activation of inflammatory signaling pathways in
the metabolic syndrome results in altered circulating and tissue levels of
proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, leading to systemic inflammation
and tissue damage. The process of microbial dysbiosis, in which the ratio of beneficial
to harmful bacteria is disrupted, is associated with many diseases such as inflammatory
bowel disease, cancer, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. There is a
relationship between the human gut microbiome and obesity.
Keywords: Abdominal obesity, Gastrointestinal disorders, Microbiota, Metabolic syndrome, Visceral fat.