title: Viral obesity: fact or fiction?
abstract: The aetiology of obesity is multifactorial. An understanding of the contributions of various causal factors is essential for the proper management of obesity. Although it is primarily thought of as a condition brought on by lifestyle choices, recent evidence shows there is a link between obesity and viral infections. Numerous animal models have documented an increased body weight and a number of physiologic changes, including increased insulin sensitivity, increased glucose uptake and decreased leptin secretion that contribute to an increase in body fat in adenovirus-36 infection. Other viral agents associated with increasing obesity in animals included canine distemper virus, rous-associated virus 7, scrapie, Borna disease virus, SMAM-1 and other adenoviruses. This review attempted to determine if viral infection is a possible cause of obesity. Also, this paper discussed mechanisms by which viruses might produce obesity. Based on the evidence presented in this paper, it can be concluded that a link between obesity and viral infections cannot be ruled out. Further epidemiologic studies are needed to establish a causal link between the two, and determine if these results can be used in future management and prevention of obesity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Health Sciences, The University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001, USA. amal.mitra@usm.edu
authors.forename: A K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Mitra
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Clarke
mesh_terms: D000260:Adenoviruses, Human / Q000472:pathogenicity; D000818:Animals; D001354:Avian Leukosis Virus / Q000472:pathogenicity; D001891:Borna disease virus / Q000472:pathogenicity; D004217:Distemper Virus, Canine / Q000472:pathogenicity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000821:virology*; D018620:PrPSc Proteins / Q000472:pathogenicity; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D015430:Weight Gain
chemical_list: D018620:PrPSc Proteins