An astonishing discovery by molecular biologists from the University of Birmingham has shown that even after successful weight loss, the human immune system may continue to "remember" the period of obesity. They found that excess weight leaves lasting changes in the DNA of immune cells.
The human immune system, it turns out, may not notice weight loss, retaining a "memory" of the period of obesity. Molecular biologists from the University of Birmingham have identified a troubling phenomenon: excess weight leaves deep, long-term imprints on the DNA of immune cells. These changes do not disappear even after successful normalization of body weight, continuing to influence gene activity and sustain inflammatory processes in the body.
According to a study published in a university press release, short-term weight loss is not capable of fully reducing the risks of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain types of cancer. Professor Claudio Mauro emphasizes that to completely erase this "molecular memory" of obesity, a person may need to maintain a normal weight for 5–10 years. This discovery seriously calls into question the effectiveness of quick diets and short-term weight loss programs.
T-Cell Research
The focus of the scientists was on T-cells – crucial elements of our immune system. Previous studies have already shown that obesity alters the structure of epigenetic marks on DNA, making these cells more prone to inflammatory reactions. To determine whether these changes are reversible, biologists conducted an experiment with mice.
The rodents were initially fed a high-calorie diet, leading them to obesity, and then switched to a regular, balanced diet. After the animals' weight normalized, the researchers continued a thorough analysis of their T-cells.
Unexpected Results of the Experiment
The results obtained were a real surprise for the researchers. Even weeks after returning to normal weight, the immune cells of the mice continued to actively produce signaling molecules that provoke inflammatory processes. A similar pattern was observed in blood analyses of volunteers who had recently successfully lost weight, as well as in people with genetic mutations predisposing them to obesity.
These data convincingly confirmed that the "memory" of excess weight is firmly established at the molecular level, exerting a lasting impact on the body.
Influence on Genes and Health Risks
The most significant changes were found in genes responsible for the disposal of cellular "waste" and the aging processes of T-cells. Disruption of these vital mechanisms leads to the immune system being in a constant state of chronic stress. This, in turn, significantly increases the risk of developing diabetes, cancer, and various inflammatory diseases, even after successful weight loss.
Importance of Long-Term Weight Stabilization
This important discovery by British biologists helps to understand why many people who have successfully lost excess weight still continue to face various health problems. Short-term weight loss is essentially just the initial stage on the path to recovery. To completely eliminate all associated risks, it is not enough to simply lose weight; long-term stabilization of normal weight over many years is required.
Prospects for Treatment
In the future, scientists have high hopes for the development of innovative methods for "erasing" this molecular memory. By targeting epigenetic marks, it may be possible to purposefully normalize the functioning of immune cells and significantly reduce inflammatory processes in patients who suffer from or have suffered from obesity. This groundbreaking direction opens entirely new horizons for creating effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of various metabolic diseases.
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