Weakened Antibacterial Immunity Linked To Obesity

Main Category: Dentistry
Also Included In: Obesity / Weight Loss / Fitness
Article Date: 11 Dec 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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In a paper published December 10, 2007, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS), Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine Associate Dean for Research, Dr. Salomon Amar, and his team have linked obesity to weakened antibacterial immunity.

Through experimental research, Amar and his team looked at how control and obese mice fought P. gingivalis infection. In order to study this, they infected the mice using silk thread that had been coated with bacterial broth and tied around their molars. It was determined that obesity acutely compromised the immune responses to gum infection as well as infection of the entire body based on the bone loss and bacterial counts of the mice.

"These findings are significant because they are the first to demonstrate an immune paralysis related to obesity," said Dr. Amar. "Based on this knowledge, substantial attention to antibacterial immunity will now be required in the treatment of obese individuals."

Amar and his team also assessed the chemical secretion profile of macrophages and found that levels of key signaling molecules were considerably lower in macrophages from the obese mice, and the expression profile of inflammation-related genes was altered. Exactly how obesity causes this reaction remains uncertain, but the results highlight one particular signaling pathway involving the transcription factor NF-kB.

More information about Dr. Amar's research will appear in the Proceeding of the National Academy of Science December 10.

The mission of Boston University School of Dental Medicine is to provide excellent education to dental professionals throughout their careers; to shape the future of dental medicine and dental education through research; to offer excellent health care services to the community; to participate in community activities; and to foster a respectful and supportive environment.

Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine

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