Abstract
There is an epidemic of obesity starting about 1980 in both developed and undeveloped countries definitely associated with multiple etiologies. About 670 million people worldwide are obese. The incidence of obesity has increased in all age groups, including children. Obesity causes numerous diseases and the interaction between genetic, metabolic, social, cultural and environmental factors are possible cofactors for the development of obesity. Evidence emerging over the last 20 years supports the hypothesis that viral infections may be associated with obesity in animals and humans. The most widely studied infectious agent possibly linked to obesity is adenovirus 36 (Adv36). Adv36 causes obesity in animals. In humans, Adv36 associates with obesity both in adults and children and the prevalence of Adv36 increases in relation to the body mass index. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that the viral E4orf1 protein (early region 4 open reading frame 1, Adv) mediates the Adv36 effect including its adipogenic potential. The Adv36 infection should therefore be considered as a possible risk factor for obesity and could be a potential new therapeutic target in addition to an original way to understand the worldwide rise of the epidemic of obesity. Here, the data indicating a possible link between viral infection and obesity with a particular emphasis to the Adv36 will be reviewed.
Highlights
Obesity is a disease characterized by an excess of fat mass
Five infectious agents were implicated in contributing to obesity, including canine distemper virus (CDV), rous associated virus (RAV)-7, borna disease virus (BDV) and adenoviruses [19]
Rats inoculated with adenovirus 36 (Adv36) or UV-inactivated Adv36 [37], showed 23% greater epididymal fat pad and viral mRNA and DNA were detected in liver, brain and adipose tissue
Summary
Obesity is a disease characterized by an excess of fat mass. The incidence of obesity in recent decades has grown dramatically [1]. Immune response depends by nutritional status and can be dysregulated in states of imbalanced nutrition such as obesity This may predispose obese individuals to increased susceptibility to infection [5,6]. Obesity has been associated with increased risk of complications due to surgical site infections [9,10,11]. Obesity is a risk factor of severe infection and death caused by the pandemic influenza strain H1N1 [14]. Overall, these observations indicate that excessive adipose tissue expansion predisposes individuals to various infections. We provide an overview of the data available on the relationship between adenovirus infection and obesity
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