Twenty-five years of research about adipogenic adenoviruses: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Virology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Infectious agents are increasingly implicated in chronic diseases.
• The role of specific microbes, particularly adenoviruses like avian adenovirus SMAM-1 and human adenovirus Ad36, in obesity is under investigation.
• Ad36 has been studied extensively for its adipogenic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on the avian adenovirus SMAM-1 and human adenovirus Ad36.
• To evaluate the evidence linking these adenoviruses to obesity and glycemic control.
• To explore potential mechanisms and translational applications.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies from North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Analysis of animal experimental data, in vitro studies, and human observational data.
• Identification of specific viral genes (e.g., E4orf1) associated with observed effects.

Main Results:

• Strong evidence indicates Ad36 causes obesity in animal models and improves glycemic control.
• In vitro studies provide mechanistic insights into Ad36's effects.
• Observational studies in humans show a correlation between Ad36 infection and obesity, alongside improved glycemic control, though causality is not definitively established.
• The Ad36 E4orf1 gene is linked to enhanced glycemic control.

Conclusions:

• Human adenovirus Ad36 shows significant potential as an infectious cause of obesity and a modulator of glycemic control.
• While direct experimental evidence in humans is lacking, observational data supports a link between Ad36 infection and metabolic outcomes.
• Future research may lead to Ad36-targeted vaccines for obesity prevention and therapeutic strategies based on the E4orf1 protein for metabolic disorders.