Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain
the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in
Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles
and JavaScript.
The metabolic syndrome is a major public-health concern worldwide, and the Japanese are attempting to address the issue at a national level. Their criteria for this syndrome, in contrast to various others, include measurement of waist circumference. Here, Fujita discusses country-specific impact of the metabolic syndrome, using the evolution of the Japanese diagnostic criteria as a model.
The distribution of fat within the body, particularly visceral fat is an important determinant in the development of various cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, and is influenced by angiotensin II and the renin–angiotensin system. Given these issues, this Article examines he relationship of obesity to cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome and the effectiveness of obesity management.
Proteinuria is a useful early marker for progressive renal dysfunction. Angiotensin II is centrally involved in all stages of renal pathophysiology, and angiotensin-II-receptor blockers can be useful therapeutic agents in preventing the development of overt kidney disease. This Article discusses the role of angiotensin II in cardiovascular and renovascular disease, and the effectiveness of angiotensin-II-receptor blocker therapy.