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Human adenovirus-36 is associated with increased body weight and paradoxical reduction of serum lipids

International Journal of Obesity volume 29, pages 281–286 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) increases adiposity and paradoxically lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides in chickens, mice, and non-human primates. The role of Ad-36 in human obesity is unknown.

OBJECTIVES:

To determine the prevalence of Ad-36 antibodies in obese and nonobese humans. To evaluate the association of Ad-36 antibodies with body mass index (BMI) and serum lipids.

DESIGN:

Cohort study. Volunteers from obesity treatment programs, communities, and a research study.

SUBJECTS:

Obese and nonobese volunteers at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, and the Bowen Center, Naples, Florida. Obese and thin volunteer research subjects and 89 twin pairs at Columbia University, New York.

INTERVENTIONS:

Study 1: 502 subjects; serum neutralization assay for antibodies to Ad-2, Ad-31, Ad-36, and Ad-37; serum cholesterol and triglycerides assays. Study 2: BMI and %body fat in 28 twin pairs discordant for Ad-36 antibodies.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

Presence of antibodies to adenoviruses, BMI, serum cholesterol and triglycerides levels.

RESULTS:

Significant (P<0.001) association of obesity and positive Ad-36 antibody status, independent of age, sex, and collection site. Ad-36 antibodies in 30% of obese, 11% of nonobese. Lower serum cholesterol and triglycerides (P<0.003) in Ad-36 antibody-positive vs -negative subjects. Twin pairs: antibody-positive twins had higher BMIs (24.5±5.2 vs 23.1±4.5 kg/m2, P<0.03) and %body fat (29.6±9.5% vs 27.5±9.9%, P<0.04). No association of Ad-2, Ad-31, or Ad-37 antibodies with BMI or serum lipids.

CONCLUSIONS:

Ad-36 is associated with increased body weight and lower serum lipids in humans. Prospective studies are indicated to determine if Ad-36 plays a role in the etiology of human obesity.

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Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge Geoffrey Letchworth and Lisa Krugner-Higby for advice on virological aspects; Sharon Gathright, Tami Wolden-Hanson, Kathleen Taylor, Wenyen Zhang, and Alexis Strasheim for laboratory assistance; Chris Mullinax for data entry and analysis; and Virginia Schmidt for secretarial assistance. The work was supported by funds from the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation's Beers-Murphy Clinical Nutrition Center, and in part by NIH Grants RO1-DK52227 and R01-56277.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Obetech Obesity Research Center, Richmond, VA, USA

    R L Atkinson

  2. Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA

    N V Dhurandhar

  3. Obesity Research Center, St Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, NY, USA

    D B Allison & J B Albu

  4. Bowen Center, Naples, FL, USA

    R L Bowen

  5. Department of Pathobiological Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA

    B A Israel

  6. Departments of Medicine and Nutritional Sciences, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA

    A S Augustus

Authors
  1. R L Atkinson
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  2. N V Dhurandhar
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  3. D B Allison
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  4. R L Bowen
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  5. B A Israel
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  6. J B Albu
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  7. A S Augustus
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Correspondence to R L Atkinson.

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Atkinson, R., Dhurandhar, N., Allison, D. et al. Human adenovirus-36 is associated with increased body weight and paradoxical reduction of serum lipids. Int J Obes 29, 281–286 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802830

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802830

Keywords

  • body mass index
  • etiology
  • serum cholesterol
  • serum triglycerides
  • twins
  • viral antibodies

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