Abstract

This study investigates the impact of weight on the severity of flu infection-driven illness in male and female mice. As obesity rates rise globally and respiratory infections, such as influenza, pose significant public health challenges, understanding the interplay between weight and infection outcomes is crucial. Using a murine model, the research examines sex-specific variations in the relationship between weight and the severity of flu-induced illness, providing insights that may inform strategies for managing influenza in diverse populations. Male and female mice with a range of body weights were exposed to a standardized influenza virus strain. Body weight, viral load, and markers of illness severity, including respiratory distress and cytokine levels, were assessed over the course of infection. Various statistical analyses were employed to elucidate the relationships between weight, sex, and flu infection outcomes. Weight-Dependent Severity: The study reveals a weight-dependent increase in the severity of flu infection-driven illness in both male and female mice. Heavier mice exhibit elevated viral loads, increased respiratory distress, and heightened pro-inflammatory cytokine responses compared to their lighter counterparts.

While the overall trend of weight-dependent severity is consistent across sexes, sex-specific variations in the magnitude of these effects are observed. Female mice, particularly those with higher weights, demonstrate a more pronounced increase in illness severity compared to their male counterparts. The findings underscore the association between weight and the severity of flu infection-driven illness in a murine model. The sex-specific variations suggest potential differences in immune responses, hormonal influences, or other factors that warrant further investigation. Insights from this study may contribute to the understanding of host factors influencing flu susceptibility and severity, informing public health strategies aimed at vulnerable populations, including those with obesity. Understanding the impact of weight on flu infection outcomes is relevant for clinical practice, especially in populations with higher obesity prevalence. The findings suggest that weight management strategies may have implications for mitigating the severity of influenza, emphasizing the importance of a holistic approach to respiratory health. The study has public health relevance in the context of influenza management, especially considering the global obesity epidemic. Tailoring preventive measures and interventions to account for weight-related variations in infection outcomes may enhance overall influenza control strategies. This research illuminates the weight-dependent increase in flu infection-driven illness severity in both male and female mice, with sex-specific variations. The study provides valuable insights into the interplay between weight and influenza outcomes, offering potential avenues for targeted interventions and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to respiratory health in populations with varying body weights.