New Delhi, Oct 7 (NationPress) Individuals suffering from severe obesity may experience accelerated lung aging, as indicated by a recent animal study.

Researchers at the University of Bonn in Germany explored the lung adaptations to nutritional challenges associated with obesity.

The findings revealed that obesity alters the extracellular matrix in the lungs, which serves as a protein-based framework that maintains their shape and structural integrity.

According to the study published in the journal Cell Reports, "These modifications in lung tissue closely resemble the natural aging process, implying that excess weight can lead to premature lung aging."

The research team utilized advanced multi-omics techniques to analyze proteins, fats, and genes simultaneously for targeted insights, complementing their research with microscopic imaging and functional experiments.

By comparing the lungs of both obese and lean mice, they examined human lung connective tissue cells and scrutinized lung composition, which allowed them to understand both molecular and functional alterations.

In cases of obesity, lung fibroblasts, a type of connective tissue cell, accumulate fat, become increasingly mobile, and exhibit early signs of aging. Concurrently, changes occur in the matrisome—the lung's structural framework—and the equilibrium of specific protease inhibitors is disrupted, the researchers noted.

“These alterations diminish lung elasticity, which may help explain the frequent association of obesity with breathing difficulties,” they remarked.

Interestingly, these changes mirror those typically observed in older adults, highlighting obesity as a potential catalyst for accelerated lung aging.

A significant challenge for the researchers was developing techniques to analyze the intricate connective tissue of the lungs—specifically the fibroblastic stroma (FSCs)—comprised of diverse cell types. Furthermore, the extracellular matrix proves challenging to study due to its many insoluble proteins and complex structures, as stated by the team.

“In summary, obesity resulted in complex changes in the lungs that ultimately impact FSCs, suggesting that over-nutrition may contribute to premature aging and compromise lung health,” the researchers concluded.