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Helminths, hygiene hypothesis and type 2 diabetes.
K de Ruiter1, D L Tahapary1,2, E Sartono1
1Department of Parasitology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
Parasite Immunology
|December 8, 2016
Summary
Soil-transmitted helminths may influence type 2 diabetes (T2D) risk. This review explores how helminth infections might impact immune responses, obesity, and gut health, potentially affecting T2D development.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Metabolic Diseases
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Limited overlap exists globally between soil-transmitted helminth (STH) prevalence and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
- STH infections can modulate immune responses and metabolic factors relevant to T2D.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review epidemiological evidence linking helminths and T2D.
- To discuss potential biological mechanisms underlying this association.
- To highlight areas for future research in humans and experimental models.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of epidemiological studies.
- Analysis of experimental data from animal models.
- Integration of human observational data.
Main Results:
- Helminth infections may influence insulin resistance through immune modulation.
- Changes in adiposity and gut microbiota associated with helminths could impact metabolic health.
- Evidence suggests a complex interplay between helminths, immunity, and T2D.
Conclusions:
- Helminths may play a role in modulating T2D risk through various mechanisms.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise impact of helminths on human metabolic health.
- Potential therapeutic or preventative strategies targeting helminth-host interactions warrant investigation.
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