Further, the data also imply a role for NCC in inflammatory processes, which may be of clinical relevance given the relationship that exists between low grade local tissue inflammation, obesity and the progression of MetS (Aronson et al., 2004; Grundy et al., 2005; Haffner, 2006). This evidence concerns the gene SLC12A3 and obesity due to melanocortin 4 receptor deficiency.