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🇬🇷 Greece /Health & Science

Study: Obesity Leaves Lasting 'Molecular Memory' in Immune Cells

From Ta Nea · (8m ago) Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A decade-long study suggests that obesity leaves a lasting 'molecular memory' in immune cells, potentially increasing the risk of obesity-related diseases even after weight loss.
  • Researchers found that specific immune cells, CD4+ T helper cells, retain markers of past obesity through DNA methylation, a change that may persist for 5-10 years post-weight loss.
  • This persistent 'memory' could impair immune functions and maintain disease risk, highlighting the importance of long-term weight management beyond initial loss.

A groundbreaking study originating from the University of Birmingham offers a stark warning about the long-term health consequences of obesity, suggesting that the body may not entirely forget its past struggles with weight. The research, published in 'EMBO Reports,' indicates that even after successful weight loss, the immune system retains a 'molecular memory' of obesity, potentially leaving individuals vulnerable to related health issues for years to come.

The study's findings center on CD4+ T helper cells, a crucial component of the immune system. These cells appear to carry epigenetic markers, specifically DNA methylation, that reflect a history of obesity. This 'imprint' is estimated to last for five to ten years after weight loss, suggesting that the biological impact of carrying excess weight can have a prolonged effect on immune function and overall health.

Short-term weight loss may not be enough to immediately reduce the risk of obesity-related diseases such as type 2 diabetes and certain cancers.

— Claudio MauroProfessor at the University of Birmingham and co-lead of the study, commenting on the implications of the findings.

This research is particularly significant for individuals who have undergone substantial weight loss. While achieving a healthier weight is a major accomplishment, this study implies that the journey doesn't end there. The persistent 'memory' within immune cells could explain why some individuals continue to face risks for conditions like type 2 diabetes and certain cancers, even when they are no longer clinically obese. It underscores the critical need for ongoing weight management strategies and further research into how to potentially reverse or mitigate these lasting cellular changes.

Continuous weight management after weight loss is likely to allow the 'obesity memory' to gradually fade, although this requires further study for confirmation.

— Claudio MauroProfessor at the University of Birmingham and co-lead of the study, suggesting a potential pathway for mitigating the effects.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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