Human Metabolic Syndrome as One of the Last Stages of Postembryonic Ontogenesis. Understanding Human Heart Diseases at Old Age

Current definitions of metabolic syndrome give no idea of the origin and metabolic essence of this medical condition. We have provided arguments that from the point of view of the human post-embryonic ontogenesis, MetS may represent metabolic features of the post-reproductive stage of ontogenesis. At this stage, sexual hormones diminish their influence and energy metabolism in men and women becomes based on predominant utilization of fats and proteins. This proposition is confirmed by the facts that the menopause increases incidence of MetS in aging women. Moreover, in younger women, surgical menopause is strongly linked with a higher incidence of MetS [50]. Because the pressure of natural selection on the post-reproductive stage of ontogenesis was weak, the metabolic features at the post-reproductive stage resemble those of our distant ancestors. We suggest that major symptoms of MetS may originate from the mismatch between the genetically predetermined ancient metabolic pattern and the contemporary lifestyle with excessive consumption carbohydrates and insufficient physical activity of elderly people. Inclusion of ontogenesis into the mechanisms of aging and development of MetS might be helpful in finding pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to slowdown development of these medical conditions.

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