Second International Symposium on Obesity and Hypertension: genetics and molecular mechanisms, 25-27 October 2001, Berlin, Germany.

The 2nd International Symposium on Obesity and Hypertension (ISOH'01) was held on October 28-30, 2001 at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin-Buch, Germany. The meeting, which consisted largely of invited lectures, presented a state-of-the-art overview of the genetic and molecular mechanisms that link obesity and hypertension. The over 40 oral presentations were supplemented by 85 poster presentations from 27 countries. The meeting was attended by around 250 participants from 48 countries. This paper briefly reviews the contents of the invited lectures presented at this meeting covering topics ranging from genetics, molecular mechanisms, pathophysiology, cardiovascular risk, to the management of patients with obesity-related hypertension. Stimulated by the continuing success of these Symposia the organizers are currently planning to hold a 3rd International Symposium on Obesity and Hypertension (ISOH'03) in Berlin: A tentative date for this meeting has been set for October 23-26, 2003.