Adenovirus 36 seropositivity is related to obesity risk, glycemic control, and leptin levels in Chilean subjects

Background Adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) has been associated to adiposity in animal and in vitro studies. Ad-36 seropositivity has also been reported to contribute to obesity risk in children and adult populations. We investigated the relationship of Ad-36 serology with obesity and metabolic parameters in a Chilean population. Subjects and methods Clinical and anthropometric data were obtained and blood samples were drawn from 99 lean (BMI: 18.5–24.9 kg/m 2 ) and 151 obese (BMI > 30 kg/m 2 ) subjects. Laboratory tests included lipid profile as well as glucose, insulin, leptin, and adiponectin levels. Ad-36 seropositivity was evaluated in serum samples by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Seroprevalence of Ad-36 was higher in the obese group (58%) than in lean controls (34%) demonstrating that individuals previously infected with Ad-36 have higher risk of obesity in the study population (OR: 2.67, 95%CI: 1.58–4.51, p