Research Reveals Severe Obesity Accelerates Lung Aging and Reduces Respiratory Function

New Delhi:

Research indicates that individuals with severe obesity may experience accelerated aging of their lungs.

Scientists from the University of Bonn in Germany conducted an investigation into how lungs respond to the nutritional challenges presented by obesity.

The researchers discovered that obesity restructures the extracellular matrix in the lungs—the protein framework that provides the lungs with their form and structural integrity.

"These alterations in lung tissue resemble those normally associated with aging, suggesting that excess weight causes premature 'aging' of the lungs," the team explained in their study published in Cell Reports.

The researchers employed advanced multi-omics techniques to simultaneously examine proteins, fats, and genes for specific inquiries. They integrated this analysis with microscopic imaging and experiments demonstrating actual lung function.

In their comprehensive approach, the research team compared the lungs of obese and lean mice, analyzed human lung connective tissue cells, and examined lung composition in detail—enabling them to comprehend both molecular and functional changes.

The study revealed that in obesity, lung fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) specifically accumulate fat, become more mobile, and display early indicators of premature aging. Simultaneously, the matrisome—the lung's "scaffolding"—undergoes changes, and the equilibrium of certain protease inhibitors becomes disrupted.

"These modifications reduce lung elasticity, potentially explaining why obesity often correlates with breathing difficulties," the researchers noted.

Notably, these changes parallel those typically observed in older individuals—suggesting obesity functions as a catalyst for accelerated lung aging.

A major research challenge involved developing methodologies to analyze the complex connective tissue of the lungs—the fibroblastic stroma (FSCs)—which comprises numerous different cell types. Additionally, the extracellular matrix presented difficulties for study due to its many insoluble proteins with complex structures.

"Overall, obesity triggered complex alterations in the lungs ultimately affecting FSCs, suggesting that overnutrition may contribute to premature aging and compromise lung health," the researchers concluded.

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