High Fat Diet Induces Anti-Inflammatory Effect in Experimental Colitis

Abstract

The prevalence of ulcerative colitis, one of the inflammatory bowel diseases, has been increasing worldwide. Though fatty diet leads to development of colitis, only little is known about the separate and combined effects of different fat compositions and intermittent fasting, and the effects of preventative dietary changes on experimental colitis. In this study, we investigated the effect of feeding type and frequency on the inflammation ulcerative colitis. Five groups, each comprising 7 male Wistar albino rats, were formed viz. Colitis (as a control), High sucrose diet + Colitis, High sucrose diet + Intermittent fasting + Colitis, High fat diet + Colitis, High fat diet + Intermittent fasting + Colitis. The intermittent fasting group (experimental group) was not fed for 2 days (non-consecutive) in a week (except water), otherwise fed with ad libitum. Following the 7-wk feeding application, the rats were treated with intrarectal administration of 4% acetic acid (pH 2.4). After the rats were sacrificed, the levels of interleukin-10, insulin, C-reactive protein, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, insulin-like growth factor-1 and adiponectin were analyzed from the blood samples. Analyzes of results revealed a statistically significant decrease in interleukin-10, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and adiponectin levels in High sucrose diet + Intermittent fasting + Colitis and High fat diet + Intermittent fasting + Colitis groups (P<0.05). According to these findings, the amount of fat and fatty acid composition in the fatty diet may have a protective effect against the development of colitis. Intermittent fasting further enhances this protective effect by lowering proinflammatory cytokine levels and reducing systemic inflammation in the body.