Obesity maybe caused by a common virus

Obesity is a major problem across the world, it’s reaching epidemic proportions. Obesity increases the risk of developing many illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and osteoarthritis. Research has shown that genetic predisposition increases an individual’s risk of obesity, as do other factors such as over-eating, eating fatty foods, lack of exercise, genetics, and some medications.

Researchers at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, part of Louisiana State University have shown under lab conditions that obesity may also be caused by a common virus.  They have shown that infection with the common virus that causes respiratory and eye infections in humans, called human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) turns adult stem cells taken from fat tissue into fat cells. But stem cells that were not exposed to Ad-36 did not turn into fat cells.  The scientists have also discovered that a specific gene called E4Orfl, seems to play a key role in switching on the fat accumulation process in infected animals. The gene could be a target for a range of human therapies, including vaccines and anti-virals, to treat obesity.

Dr Magdalena Pasarica, obesity researcher at the Research Centre says ”We’re not saying that a virus is the only cause of obesity, but this study provides stronger evidence that some obesity cases may involve viral infections.

For further information: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/80205.php

Oh that I could blame a common virus on those few extra pounds I carry!

Penny