Why is not there a match between the serological and genomic prevalence of adenovirus 36?

Infectobesity: the evaluation of adenovirus-36 infection and obesity

Obesity, which causes some cancer types and other diseases, is not only a global public health problem, but also a factor that affects country's economy. Endocrinal, environmental, neuronal and genetic factors have important roles on the etiology of obesity. When the possibility that SMAM‐1 animal virus could have a relationship with obesity was observed, obesity studies focused on human adenoviruses. Adenovirus‐36 was first isolated in 1978 and was the first human adenovirus to be tested in terms of infectobesity. Both in vivo and in vitro studies proved the strong relationship between adenovirus‐36 presence and obesity. Therefore, a large-scale study incorporating various ethnicities and age groups is required to investigate the worldwide epidemic of obesity and its links with viruses.

Adenovirus 36 and Obesity: An Overview

There is an epidemic of obesity starting about 1980 in both developed and undeveloped countries definitely associated with multiple etiologies. About 670 million people worldwide are obese. The incidence of obesity has increased in all age groups, including children. Obesity causes numerous diseases and the interaction between genetic, metabolic, social, cultural and environmental factors are possible cofactors for the development of obesity. Evidence emerging over the last 20 years supports the hypothesis that viral infections may be associated with obesity in animals and humans. The most widely studied infectious agent possibly linked to obesity is adenovirus 36 (Adv36). Adv36 causes obesity in animals. In humans, Adv36 associates with obesity both in adults and children and the prevalence of Adv36 increases in relation to the body mass index. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that the viral E4orf1 protein (early region 4 open reading frame 1, Adv) mediates the Adv36 effect including its adipogenic potential. The Adv36 infection should therefore be considered as a possible risk factor for obesity and could be a potential new therapeutic target in addition to an original way to understand the worldwide rise of the epidemic of obesity. Here, the data indicating a possible link between viral infection and obesity with a particular emphasis to the Adv36 will be reviewed.