Common virus triggers obesity
Adipocytes (fat cells) derived from stem cells
Photo by: David Gregory&Debbie Marshall, Wellcome Images
In the global war against obesity, as the numbers of obese adults and even children become epidemic, another culprit has been identified as causing obesity: the common virus.
Apart from diet, exercise and genetics, researchers have now identified the common respiratory virus, adenovirus-36, as contributing to obesity. Presented this week at the annual meeting of the American Chemical Society, researchers from Lousiana State University in Baton Rouge reported that the adenovirus-36 and two other related viruses, Ad-37 and Ad-5, can trigger obesity by transforming adult stem cells under the skin into fat cells, both in number and size.
“We’re not saying a virus is the only cause of obesity, but this study provides stronger evidence that some obesity cases may involve viral infections,” said Dr. Magdalena Pasarica of Louisiana State University, leader of the study. “Not all infected people will develop obesity,” she said. “The results are clear. Ad-36 prompts adult, fat-derived stem cells to convert to pre-fat cells, rather than other cell types,” she said. “Furthermore, these fat cells accumulate lipids — fats — at an increased rate.”
If viruses can increase the number of fat cells and thereby increase the fat content in humans, the war against obesity will reach another level. It opens up a whole new category of obesity-fighting business opportunities.
The researchers also identified a specific gene in the virus that may act as the trigger to this obesity promotion which may lead to a anti-obesity vaccine or antiviral medication in the future.
Read more about this study: Common virus may contribute to obesity in some people, new study shows
Lincoln Kim is a member of the healthcare and life sciences team of the MaRS Venture Group. He evaluates and supports the development of technology platforms and commercial market opportunities of start up and emerging companies, facilitates collaboration among research groups and between research scientists and industry.