Adenovirus 36 Seropositivity Is Related to Inflammation and Imbalance Between Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status Regardless of Body Mass Index in Mexican Population

The etiology of obesity has been associated with genetic and epigenetic factors, hormonal changes, unhealthy lifestyle habits, and infectious agents such as human adenovirus-36 (HAdV-36). Viral infections induce reactive oxygen species, and the imbalance between oxidative stress/antioxidant results in fat accumulation. In the Mexican population, little is known about the frequency of HAdV-36 and its effect on the balance between antioxidants and oxidants, inflammation, and metabolic markers. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the frequency of HAdV-36 seroprevalence and its relation to body mass index (BMI), lipid profiles, glucose levels, inflammation, and levels of antioxidants and oxidative stress in a representative sample. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 112 healthy adults between 18 and 28 years old, who were divided into four groups according to their BMI: underweight (BMI < 18.5); normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9); overweight (BMI ≥ 25); and obese (BMI ≥ 30). Blood samples were taken to evaluate lipid and glucose profiles, as well as antioxidant and oxidative stress status, using colorimetric techniques. Seropositivity for HAdV-36 and levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and cortisol were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The HAdV-36 frequency was 15.6% in underweight subjects, 18.7% in the normal-weight subjects, 34.37% in the overweight subjects, and 31.24% in the obese subjects. The subjects who were positive for HAdV-36 seroprevalence had increased levels of IL-6, cortisol, and oxidative stress, independently of BMI. The HAdV-36-positive subjects had reduced LDL-C and HDL-C levels only in the low-weight groups. Glutathione and SOD levels increased in the underweight and normal-weight subjects with positive HAdV-36 seroprevalence, while catalase levels decreased in the normal-weight, overweight, and obese subjects. In conclusion, for the first time, an HAdV-36 seroprevalence in the adult Mexican population is reported which was higher and had a relation with the presence of inflammation, alterations in the lipid profile, and imbalance between oxidative stress and antioxidant status, regardless of BMI. The oxidative stress/antioxidant imbalance could be participating in the stimulation of white adipose tissue deposition.