Regulation of host metabolic health by parasitic helminths
Journal Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
Obesity is a worldwide pandemic and major risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). T2D requires lifelong medical support to limit complications and is defined by impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance (IR), and chronic low-level systemic inflammation initiating from adipose tissue. The current preventative strategies include a healthy diet, controlled physical activity, and medication targeting hyperglycemia, with underexplored underlying inflammation. Studies suggest a protective role for helminth infection in the prevention of T2D. The mechanisms may involve induction of modified type 2 and regulatory immune responses that suppress inflammation and promote insulin sensitivity. In this review, the roles of helminths in counteracting MetS, and prospects for harnessing these protective mechanisms for the development of novel anti-diabetes drugs are discussed.
Journal
Trends in Parasitology
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N/A
Volume
40
ISBN/ISSN
1471-4922
Edition
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Issue
5
Pages Count
15
Location
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Publisher
Elsevier
Publisher Url
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Publisher Location
N/A
Publish Date
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Url
N/A
Date
N/A
EISSN
N/A
DOI
10.1016/j.pt.2024.03.006