Obesity Linked to Premature Lung Ageing in Groundbreaking Study

Excess weight may contribute to more than just cardiovascular strain; it could also accelerate the ageing of lung tissue, according to a recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Bonn, Germany. Published on October 7, 2023, in the journal Cell Reports, the research highlights how severe obesity can alter lung structure in ways that resemble natural aging, resulting in decreased elasticity and potential breathing difficulties.

The study specifically examined the extracellular matrix, a complex network of proteins that provides structural support to the lungs. In individuals with obesity, this matrix undergoes significant remodeling, disrupting normal lung function and mimicking the biological changes typically observed in older adults. The researchers assert, “These changes suggest that obesity doesn’t just impact lung function — it actually accelerates the biological ageing of lung tissue.”

Utilizing multi-omics technologies, the research team analyzed proteins, lipids, and gene activity within lung tissue. Their comprehensive approach included microscopic imaging, lung function testing, and comparisons between obese and lean mice, alongside examinations of human lung connective tissue cells.

Findings revealed that in obese individuals, lung fibroblasts—the cells responsible for producing connective tissue—accumulate fat and exhibit unusual mobility, displaying signs of premature aging. This process is accompanied by an imbalance in protease inhibitors and deterioration of the lung’s structural matrix. Consequently, these changes diminish the lungs’ ability to expand and contract effectively.

“The lungs become less elastic, which could explain why people with obesity often report shortness of breath or respiratory discomfort,” the authors emphasized. One of the significant challenges faced during the study was examining the fibroblastic stroma, a complex network comprising various cell types and largely insoluble proteins that form the lungs’ connective tissue.

Despite these difficulties, the team successfully mapped how overnutrition and fat accumulation disrupt this system at both molecular and functional levels. This research provides compelling evidence that obesity not only impairs lung function but may also act as a hidden contributor to premature lung aging, potentially leading to chronic respiratory issues later in life.

The implications of this study are significant, highlighting the need for further research on the relationship between obesity and lung health. Understanding these connections could inform public health strategies aimed at reducing the prevalence of obesity-related respiratory conditions.