Implications of obesity and adiposopathy on respiratory infections; focus on emerging challenges
Ioannis G Lempesis1, Vasiliki E Georgakopoulou2
1Department of Infectious Diseases-COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Athens 11527, Greece.
Abstract:
Obesity is characterized by excessive adipose tissue accumulation, which impacts physiological, metabolic, and immune functions. Several respiratory infections, including bacterial pneumonia, influenza, and coronavirus disease 2019, appear to be linked to unfavorable results in individuals with obesity. These may be attributed to the direct mechanical/physiological effects of excess body fat on the lungs' function. Notably, adipose tissue dysfunction is associated with a low-grade chronic inflammatory status and hyperleptinemia, among other characteristics. These have all been linked to immune system dysfunction and weakened immune responses to these infections. A better understanding and clinical awareness of these risk factors are necessary for better disease outcomes.
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