Modulation of the Inflammatory Response by Adenovirus 36 in Patients with Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes: A Nested Case-Control Study Within a Cohort

Abstract

Human adenovirus 36 (HAdV-36) is associated with obesity, potentially by promoting adipocyte proliferation and differentiation. Although linked to increased fat storage, HAdV-36 is also correlated with improved insulin sensitivity. Given its potential role in modulating adipose tissue and promoting a less inflammatory metabolic profile, its impacts on pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokine secretion remain unclear.

Methods: This nested case-control study compared cytokine levels (IL-10, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) between patients with and without HAdV-36 infection. A total of 76 participants were included, with 37 in the control group (HAdV-36 negative) and 39 classified as cases (HAdV-36 positive).

Results: HAdV-36 seropositive individuals exhibited significantly lower IL-6 levels and higher IL-8 levels than seronegative participants. Additionally, they had lower glucose levels, suggesting a potential link between HAdV-36 and metabolic regulation.

Conclusions: These findings support the hypothesis that HAdV-36 may influence inflammatory and metabolic responses by modulating cytokine expression and glucose levels. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms and their implications for metabolic health.

Keywords: IL-6; adenovirus 36; inflammatory response; obesity; type 2 diabetes.

Figure 1

Impact of HAdV-36 seropositivity on adipogenesis and metabolic profile. In obese rats, increased PPARγ expression leads to a fourfold increase in the number of small adipocytes and a reduction in the number of large adipocytes by approximately 50%. In humans, HAdV-36 seropositivity is associated with lower GAS5 expression, increased PPARγ levels, and a shift toward a metabolic profile characterized by reduced glucose and lipid levels, improved insulin response, and predominance of small adipocytes.