Viruses (Jun 2024)

Influence of Seropositivity against Adenovirus-36 on the Risk of Obesity and Insulin Resistance in the Child Population of Southern Chile

  • Roberto Brito,
  • Jorge Sapunar,
  • Nicolás Aguilar-Farías,
  • Juan Navarro-Riquelme,
  • Monica Pavez,
  • Mario Hiroyuki Hirata,
  • Alvaro Cerda

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060995
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 6
p. 995

Abstract

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Background: Previous infection with Adenovirus-36 (HAdv-D36) has been associated with adipogenesis and glycemic regulation in cell culture and animal models. In humans, HAdv-D36 antibodies correlate with increased obesity risk yet paradoxically enhance glycemic control across various demographics. This study assesses the association of HAdv-D36 seropositivity with obesity, lipid, and glycemic profiles among school-aged children. Methods: We evaluated 208 children aged 9–13, categorized by BMI z-scores into normal weight (−1 to +1), overweight (+1 to +2), and obese (>+3). Assessments included anthropometry, Tanner stage for pubertal development, and biochemical tests (relating to lipids, glucose, and insulin), alongside HAdv-D36 seropositivity checked via ELISA. Insulin resistance was gauged using Chilean pediatric criteria. Results: The cohort displayed a high prevalence of overweight/obesity. HAdv-D36 seropositivity was 5.4%, showing no correlation with nutritional status. Additionally, no link between HAdv-D36 seropositivity and lipid levels was observed. Notably, insulin levels and HOMA-RI were significantly lower in HAdv-D36 positive children (p Conclusions: HAdv-D36 seropositivity appears to decrease insulin secretion and resistance, aligning with earlier findings. However, no association with obesity development was found in the child population of southern Chile.

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