Exposure to secondhand smoke leads to inflammation and oxidation, representing another pathophysiologic mechanism for the development of atherosclerosis.
Researchers say circulating mononuclear cells (the largest type of white blood cell) and lymphocytes, exist in a proinflammatory state in obese persons known to be at increased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, or both.
Accumulating evidence supports the hypothesis that chronic low-grade inflammation and activation of the innate immune system are closely involved in the pathogenesis of the type 2 diabetes.