Immuno-hematologic parameters following rodent spinal cord contusion are negatively influenced by high-fat diet consumption

J Neuroimmunol. 2020 Jun 15:343:577226. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577226. Epub 2020 Mar 27.

Abstract

Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in perturbations to the immune system leading to increased infection susceptibility. In parallel, the consumption of high-fat diets (HFD) leads to a chronic inflammation in circulation and body tissues. We investigated the impact of 16 weeks of HFD on chronically-injured rats. SCI rats under both chow and HFD showed peripheral leukocyte changes that include reduced percentages of total, helper and cytotoxic T, and natural killer cells. Expression of immune-related genes in the spleen and thymus reflected the impact of both chronic injury and diet. Changes to the immune system following SCI are adversely impacted by HFD consumption.

Keywords: High-fat diet; Immune system; Obesity; Spinal cord injury; Spleen; Thymus.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diet, High-Fat / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Rats
  • Rats, Long-Evans
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / blood
  • Spinal Cord Injuries / immunology*
  • Spleen / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Thymus Gland / immunology*
  • Transcriptome / immunology