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Effect of experimental hookworm infection on insulin resistance in people at risk of type 2 diabetes

Author

Listed:
  • Doris R. Pierce

    (James Cook University)

  • Malcolm McDonald

    (James Cook University)

  • Lea Merone

    (James Cook University)

  • Luke Becker

    (James Cook University)

  • Fintan Thompson

    (James Cook University
    University of South Australia)

  • Chris Lewis

    (James Cook University)

  • Rachael Y. M. Ryan

    (James Cook University)

  • Sze Fui Hii

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Patsy A. Zendejas-Heredia

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Rebecca J. Traub

    (University of Melbourne)

  • Matthew A. Field

    (James Cook University
    James Cook University
    Garvan Institute of Medical Research)

  • Tony Rahman

    (The Prince Charles Hospital)

  • John Croese

    (James Cook University)

  • Alex Loukas

    (James Cook University)

  • Robyn McDermott

    (James Cook University
    University of South Australia)

  • Paul R. Giacomin

    (James Cook University)

Abstract

The reduced prevalence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes in countries with endemic parasitic worm infections suggests a protective role for worms against metabolic disorders, however clinical evidence has been non-existent. This 2-year randomised, double-blinded clinical trial in Australia of hookworm infection in 40 male and female adults at risk of type 2 diabetes assessed the safety and potential metabolic benefits of treatment with either 20 (n = 14) or 40 (n = 13) Necator americanus larvae (L3) or Placebo (n = 13) (Registration ACTRN12617000818336). Primary outcome was safety defined by adverse events and completion rate. Homoeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, fasting blood glucose and body mass were key secondary outcomes. Adverse events were more frequent in hookworm-treated participants, where 44% experienced expected gastrointestinal symptoms, but completion rates were comparable to Placebo. Fasting glucose and insulin resistance were lowered in both hookworm-treated groups at 1 year, and body mass was reduced after L3-20 treatment at 2 years. This study suggests hookworm infection is safe in people at risk of type 2 diabetes and associated with improved insulin resistance, warranting further exploration of the benefits of hookworms on metabolic health.

Suggested Citation

  • Doris R. Pierce & Malcolm McDonald & Lea Merone & Luke Becker & Fintan Thompson & Chris Lewis & Rachael Y. M. Ryan & Sze Fui Hii & Patsy A. Zendejas-Heredia & Rebecca J. Traub & Matthew A. Field & Ton, 2023. "Effect of experimental hookworm infection on insulin resistance in people at risk of type 2 diabetes," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-40263-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40263-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Junjie Qin & Yingrui Li & Zhiming Cai & Shenghui Li & Jianfeng Zhu & Fan Zhang & Suisha Liang & Wenwei Zhang & Yuanlin Guan & Dongqian Shen & Yangqing Peng & Dongya Zhang & Zhuye Jie & Wenxian Wu & Yo, 2012. "A metagenome-wide association study of gut microbiota in type 2 diabetes," Nature, Nature, vol. 490(7418), pages 55-60, October.
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