Metabolism is a complex network of biochemical processes that maintains life and supports cellular functions. These processes involve the breakdown of nutrients into energy, the synthesis of essential molecules, and the elimination of waste products. However, disruptions in metabolism can lead to various diseases and health conditions. One of the most prominent links between metabolism and disease are observed in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Obesity results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure, leading to excessive accumulation of fat in the body. It is often also associated with insulin resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels, which can progress to type 2 diabetes, a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic high blood glucose levels. Diabetes is a prevalent metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to the body's inability to produce or utilize insulin, the hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. In type 1 diabetes, the immune system destroys pancreatic beta cells, leading to insulin deficiency. Type 2 diabetes develops when cells become resistant to the action of insulin. Both types of diabetes ultimately disrupt glucose metabolism, leading to hyperglycaemia, and the development of cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and nerve damage. Metabolism plays a highly significant role in general cardiovascular health. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) and triglycerides, combined with low levels of HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein), can lead to atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Disorders in lipid metabolism, such as hyperlipidaemia, are therefore linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Metabolic syndrome describes a cluster of interconnected metabolic abnormalities that similarly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and is characterized by a combination of central obesity, high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar levels, and abnormal lipid profiles. Insulin resistance is often a central feature of metabolic syndrome. Inborn errors of metabolism are rare genetic disorders that affect various metabolic pathways. These conditions result from defects in enzymes or transporters responsible for metabolizing specific molecules. These conditions can lead to the accumulation of toxic compounds, and include phenylketonuria (PKU), a disorder of phenylalanine metabolism, and Gaucher's disease, a deficiency of the enzyme glucocerebrosidase. Both conditions can lead to severe developmental and neurological complications. The liver and thyroid gland also play key roles in metabolism and disease. The liver is involved in the synthesis, storage, and breakdown of various molecules, whilst the thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate general metabolism in the body. Hypothyroidism- low levels of thyroid hormones- can lead to a slower metabolic rate, weight gain, and fatigue, whilst hyperthyroidism, marked by excessive thyroid hormone production, can lead to weight loss and increased heart rate. Finally, lysosomal storage disorders are a group of genetic disorders caused by the deficiency of specific enzymes needed for the catabolism of certain molecules. As a result, these substances accumulate in lysosomes, disrupting cellular function. Examples of lysosomal storage disorders include Gaucher disease, Tay-Sachs disease, and Pompe disease, each with distinct organ symptoms and complications. We provide a large product catalogue of research tools for studying metabolism in disease, including TNF alpha antibodies, Bcl-2 antibodies, Transferrin Receptor antibodies, TNF alpha ELISA Kits, and BDNF ELISA Kits. Explore our full metabolism in disease product range below and discover more, for less. Alternatively, you can explore our Cancer, Obesity, and Heart Disease product ranges.