Contribution of pathogens in human obesity

Area of Science:

• Infectious disease
• Epidemiology
• Public health

Background:

• Obesity is a rapidly growing global epidemic with significant public health implications.
• Multiple factors contribute to obesity, including genetics, metabolism, and lifestyle.
• Infectious agents are an under-recognized potential cause of obesity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the evidence linking pathogens to obesity in animals and humans.
• To highlight the need for further investigation into the role of infections in obesity etiology.
• To emphasize the importance of identifying infectious causes for effective obesity management.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on pathogens associated with obesity.
• Examination of studies reporting obesity induction by viruses in animal models.
• Analysis of associations between specific adenoviruses and human obesity.

Main Results:

• Seven pathogens, including canine distemper virus and avian retroviruses, have been linked to obesity in animals, often through central nervous system damage.
• Adenoviruses, such as SMAM-1, adenovirus type 36 (Ad-36), and Ad-37, have been shown to promote adiposity in experimental models.
• SMAM-1 and Ad-36 have been associated with obesity in human populations.

Conclusions:

• Pathogens represent a potential, yet often overlooked, factor in the etiology of obesity.
• Understanding the mechanisms by which infectious agents cause obesity is critical.
• Identifying the role of pathogens in human obesity is essential for developing successful prevention and treatment strategies.