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Published on: April 21, 2015
Influence of protein malnutrition on induction and treatment of inflammation in mice
Nahed M A Hassanein1, Roba M Talaat, Khalid Bassiouny
1National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Cairo, Egypt.
Abstract:
Considerable evidence suggests that protein malnutrition (PM) impairs immune function especially cytokine and interferes with the toxicopharmacology of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The present study tries to assess whether PM will affect induction and treatment of inflammation. The study was performed on adult male Swiss mice using the carrageenan-air pouch model. Animals were fed either protein sufficient 20% or protein deficient 8% casein diet starting 3wks before induction of air pouch, 6-days after which the pouch was administered with 1ml carrageenan (2%). Treatment with aspirin (200 mg/kg, p.o.) or diclofenac (20 mg/kg im.) was conducted one hour before the challenge with carrageenan. Six hours after the challenge, the local exudates were collected and subjected for total leukocyte infiltration count and IL-12 assessment. IL-1 beta and nitrate content were estimated in both plasma and air pouch infiltrate. The obtained results showed a reduction in leukocytes and decrease in IL-1 beta level in PM mice. In conclusion, PM slows the inflammatory reaction, and influences the inflammatory process differently especially in the presence of another stimulus.
Insights
Protein malnutrition (PM) slows inflammatory responses and alters how the body handles inflammation, especially when combined with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This study investigated PM
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Protein malnutrition (PM) is known to impair immune function, particularly cytokine production.
- PM may also affect the toxicopharmacology of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of protein malnutrition on the induction and treatment of inflammation.
- To assess how PM influences inflammatory processes, especially in conjunction with NSAID treatment.
Main Methods:
- Adult male Swiss mice were fed either a protein-sufficient (20% casein) or protein-deficient (8% casein) diet for 3 weeks.
- Carrageenan-induced inflammation was established in an air pouch model, followed by treatment with aspirin or diclofenac.
- Leukocyte infiltration, IL-12, IL-1 beta, and nitrate levels were measured in plasma and air pouch exudates.
Main Results:
- Protein-malnourished mice exhibited reduced leukocyte infiltration into the inflamed area.
- A significant decrease in Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) levels was observed in protein-malnourished mice.
- PM altered the inflammatory response, showing a reduction in key inflammatory markers.
Conclusions:
- Protein malnutrition significantly slows down the inflammatory reaction.
- PM influences the inflammatory process distinctly, particularly when combined with other stimuli like NSAIDs.
- These findings highlight the critical role of nutrition in modulating immune and inflammatory responses.
