Aging and the Metabolic Syndrome

The aim of this chapter was to establish the relationship between the Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) and aging. Special attention has been paid to insulin resistance as a possible aging manifestation. As aging progresses during human life from the end of the growth period and after completing differentiation, a physiological process of regression begins that is impossible to reverse or to stop, which involves the whole adulthood period. Based on the afore-mentioned concept it seems difficult a priori to combine physiologic with pathologic considerations belonging to MetS. In fact, all manifestations of MetS find a correspondence in the aging process with the sole difference of extension. For this reason it seemed reasonable to discuss first the mechanisms of normal development, eventually seeking to find out common points.