Obesity in the context of the «old friends» hypothesis

Kim O.T.; Drapkina O.M.

doi:https://doi.org/10.17116/profmed202528041136

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OBJECTIVE

To analyze the causes and pathophysiological mechanisms of metabolic disorders related to the loss of species diversity in the human body’s ecosystem.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An unsystematic search was conducted in the PubMed and eLibrary databases using the keywords «Old friends hypothesis+obesity/metabolic diseases», «Hygienic hypothesis obesity/metabolic diseases», and «Old friends hypothesis+obesity/metabolic diseases».

RESULTS

Since its inception, humanity has formed a symbiosis with many micro- and macroorganisms living outside and inside the human body. Advances in civilization, such as caesarean section delivery, wide use of antibiotics, deworming, and changes in the food environment, have destabilized this symbiotic process, which may contribute to the increased prevalence of obesity and associated diseases.

CONCLUSION

Natural childbirth, prolonged breastfeeding, and rational antibiotic therapy play an important role in the formation of health. Drugs based on excretory and secretory products of helminths can be a promising method in the treatment of obesity and associated diseases.

Keywords:

obesity

metabolic disorders

«old friends» hypothesis

microbiota

helminths

Authors:

Kim O.T.

National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine

ORCID: 0000-0002-0332-7696

Drapkina O.M.

National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine;
Russian University of Medicine

SPIN RSCI: 4456-1297
Scopus AuthorID: 57208852308
ResearcherID: G-8443-2016
ORCID: 0000-0002-4453-8430

Received:

15.01.2025

Accepted:

22.01.2025

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