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Updated: Dec 25, 2025
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Published on: September 21, 2021
Immuno-hematologic parameters following rodent spinal cord contusion are negatively influenced by high-fat diet
Jon M Person1, Bradley A Welch2, Redin A Spann2
1Cancer Center and Research Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, United States of America.
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.
