The Influence of the Protozoan <i>Giardia lamblia</i> on the Modulation of the Immune System and Alterations in Host Glucose and Lipid Metabolism

oleh: Sylwia Klimczak, Kacper Packi, Alicja Rudek, Sylwia Wenclewska, Marcin Kurowski, Daniela Kurczabińska, Agnieszka Śliwińska

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: MDPI AG 2024-08-01

Deskripsi

<i>Giardia lamblia</i>, the cause of giardiasis, significantly impacts patients with metabolic disorders related to insulin resistance (IR). Both giardiasis and metabolic disorders share elements such as chronic inflammation and intestinal dysbiosis, which substantially affect the metabolic and cytokine profiles of patients. This review discusses the mechanisms of virulence of <i>G. lamblia</i>, its influence on the immune system, and its association with metabolic disorders. The review aims to show how <i>G. lamblia</i> invasion acts on the immune system and the glucose and lipid metabolism. Key findings reveal that <i>G. lamblia</i> infection, by disrupting intestinal permeability, alters microbiota composition and immune responses, potentially impairing metabolic status. Future research should focus on elucidating the specific mechanisms by which <i>G. lamblia</i> influences the metabolism, exploring the long-term consequences of chronic infection, and developing targeted therapeutic strategies that include both parasitic and metabolic aspects. These insights underscore the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of giardiasis in patients with metabolic disorders.