Human adenovirus-36 antibody status is associated with obesity in children

Int J Pediatr Obes. 2010 Apr;5(2):157-60. doi: 10.3109/17477160903111789.

Abstract

Background: Human adenovirus-36 (Ad-36) is thought to induce obesity by a direct effect of the viral E4orf1 gene on lipogenic enzymes in host adipocytes. Ad-36 prevalence is 30% in obese adults, but prevalence has not been reported in childhood obesity.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of Ad-36 infection in obese Korean children (age 14.8 +/- 1.9; range 8.3-6.3 years); correlation of infection with BMI z-score and other obesity measures.

Methods: Blood was drawn at the annual school physical exam or clinic visit; Ad-36 status was determined by serum neutralization assay; and routine serum chemistry values.

Results: A total of 30% of subjects were positive (N = 25) for Ad-36; 70% were negative (N = 59). Significantly higher BMI z-scores (1.92 vs. 1.65, p < 0.01) and waist circumferences (96.3 vs. 90.7 cm, p = 0.05) were found in infected versus uninfected children. Cardiovascular risk factors were not significantly different.

Conclusions: Ad-36 infection is common in obese Korean children and correlates highly with obesity. Ad-36 may have played a role in the obesity and Type 2 diabetes epidemic in children.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / complications
  • Adenovirus Infections, Human / epidemiology
  • Adenoviruses, Human / immunology*
  • Adolescent
  • Antibodies, Viral / blood*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / blood
  • Child
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / epidemiology
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / virology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Korea / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / virology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Waist Circumference

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral