Obesity, parasites, and immune responses: New study explores gender-specific mechanisms
A new study led by researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR), is exploring the surprising link between obesity, parasitic infections, and the immune system, with a focus on gender-specific responses.
The research, backed by a $3.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), aims to uncover new treatment possibilities for these widespread health challenges.
Obesity and parasitic worm infections are both significant global health concerns. Obesity affects over 40 per cent of adults in the US, leading to various serious conditions such as type 2 diabetes and inflammatory disorders. Similarly, parasitic infections, caused by helminths (parasitic worms), can result in a range of health issues, including malnutrition, abdominal pain, and pneumonia. But recent studies suggest that immune responses to these conditions may differ between men and women, offering new avenues for research and treatment.
The UCR study, led by Professor Meera G. Nair, aims to understand how immune cells like macrophages and eosinophils respond to both obesity and helminth infections, with a specific focus on the RELMalpha protein. This protein, released by macrophages, varies in its response between the sexes and may play a crucial role in the immune system’s ability to combat these diseases.
“Our research is exploring how sex-specific immune responses could lead to different outcomes in obesity and parasitic infections,” said Professor Nair. “By studying the interactions between immune cells and proteins like RELMalpha, we hope to uncover new pathways for treatment.”
Preliminary findings suggest that parasitic infections may activate protective immune responses that help to fight obesity in a gender-dependent manner.
“The aim is to understand what triggers these immune responses, particularly in adipose (fat) tissue, and how we can harness these mechanisms to prevent metabolic dysfunction,” added Nair.
The project brings together experts in immunology, endocrinology, and computational biology. The team’s research objectives include understanding how macrophages and eosinophils function differently in males and females, and how these immune cells contribute to the body’s defence against obesity and parasitic infections.
The study has the potential to shift the focus of obesity treatment, particularly in men, who are disproportionately affected by these metabolic diseases. The research could also contribute to broader insights into how sex differences influence immune responses, which could improve therapeutic strategies in clinical settings.