Leptin: linking obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease.

The incidence and prevalence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome have risen markedly in the past decade, representing a serious cardiovascular health hazard with significant morbidity and mortality. The etiology of the metabolic syndrome and its various pathogenic mechanisms are incompletely defined and under intense investigation. Contemporary research suggests that the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin may be an important factor linking obesity, the metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disorders.

Obesity-hypertension: emerging concepts in pathophysiology and treatment.

The incidence and prevalence of obesity has risen markedly in the last decade, and this epidemic represents a serious health hazard with significant morbidity and mortality. Although hypertension is recognized as one of the most serious consequences of obesity, its pathophysiology remains incompletely understood. Contemporary research suggests that the recently discovered hormone leptin may represent a common link between these 2 pathologic conditions.

Use of the X-SIXER catheter system in the treatment of acute thrombotic coronary occlusion.

The X-SIZER thromboatherectomy catheter system (EndiCOR Medical, Inc.) was initially developed for the treatment of thrombus in acute coronary syndromes. We present the case of a 64-year-old man with thrombotic occlusion of the left circumflex coronary artery.