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- Title
Helminth infection modulates number and function of adipose tissue Tregs in high fat diet-induced obesity.
- Authors
Queiroz-Glauss, Camila P.; Vieira, Mariana S.; Gonçalves-Pereira, Marcela Helena; Almeida, Stephanie S.; Freire, Rachel H.; Gomes, Maria A.; Alvarez-Leite, Jacqueline I.; Santiago, Helton C.
- Abstract
Background: Epidemiological and experimental studies have shown a protective effect of helminth infections in weight gain and against the development of metabolic dysfunctions in the host. However, the mechanisms Treg cells exert in the helminth-obesity interface has been poorly investigated. The present study aimed to verify the influence of Heligmosomoides polygyrus infection in early stages of high fat diet-induced obesity. Principal findings: The presence of infection was able to prevent exacerbated weight gain in mice fed with high fat diet when compared to non-infected controls. In addition, infected animals displayed improved insulin sensitivity and decreased fat accumulation in the liver. Obesity-associated inflammation was reduced in the presence of infection, demonstrated by lower levels of leptin and resistin, lower infiltration of Th1 and Th17 cells in adipose tissue, higher expression of IL10 and adiponectin, increased infiltration of Th2 and eosinophils in adipose tissue of infected animals. Of note, the parasite infection was associated with increased Treg frequency in adipose tissue which showed higher expression of cell surface markers of function and activation, like LAP and CD134. The infection could also increase adipose Treg suppressor function in animals on high fat diet. Conclusion: These data suggest that H. polygyrus modulates adipose tissue Treg cells with implication for weight gain and metabolic syndrome. Author summary: Helminth infections are known to modulate the immune system being responsible for protecting the host from developing allergic and autoimmune disorders (Hygiene Hypothesis). We hypothesized that the same immunomodulatory effect could have an impact on immunometabolic diseases, such as obesity and its linked diseases such as type 2 diabetes. Weight disorders have reached epidemic levels, nearly tripling since 1975 and being responsible for almost 5 million premature deaths each year, but have been spared in areas of high helminth prevalence. To test our hypothesis C57BL/6 male mice were fed control or high fat diet, for five weeks, in the presence or not of infection with the worm Heligmosomoides polygyrus. Weight gain, development of metabolic disorders, inflammation and cellular migration to the adipose tissue were evaluated. In accordance with our hypothesis, we found that the presence of infection prevented the exacerbated weight gain and also improved metabolic parameters in animals fed a high fat diet. This was associated with the infection's ability to modulate parameters of a cell responsible for regulatory functions: Tregs. In the light of these findings, helminth infection could be protective against weight gain and metabolic disturbances.
- Subjects
ADIPOSE tissue diseases; HELMINTHIASIS; ADIPOSE tissues; HIGH-fat diet; REGULATORY T cells; WESTERN diet; WEIGHT gain
- Publication
PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, 2022, Vol 16, Issue 5, p1
- ISSN
1935-2727
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1371/journal.pntd.0010105