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A ketogenic diet can mitigate SARS-CoV-2 induced systemic reprogramming and inflammation
Amelia Palermo1,2,3,4, Shen Li5,6,7,8,9,10, Johanna Ten Hoeve2,3,4
1Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
Communications Biology
|November 4, 2023
Summary
The ketogenic diet (KD) improved survival and reduced inflammation in mice infected with SARS-CoV-2. This dietary intervention mitigated systemic toxicity and restored metabolic balance, offering potential therapeutic insights.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Metabolic Medicine
Background:
- The ketogenic diet (KD) is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
- SARS-CoV-2 infection causes significant systemic toxicity and immune dysregulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of a KD on systemic toxicity in mice during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To assess the KD's effects on immune response, inflammation, and metabolic changes post-infection.
Main Methods:
- Mice were infected with SARS-CoV-2 and treated with a KD.
- Systemic toxicity, survival rates, and multi-organ transcriptional and metabolic profiles were analyzed.
- Serum cytokine levels, inflammatory markers, and metabolite ratios were measured.
Main Results:
- KD significantly improved survival and reduced weight loss in infected mice.
- KD mitigated multi-organ transcriptional reprogramming and metabolic rewiring induced by SARS-CoV-2.
- Reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines, inflammatory prostaglandins, and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio were observed, indicating decreased systemic inflammation.
Conclusions:
- The ketogenic diet alters the host response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- KD improves health outcomes by reducing inflammation and restoring metabolic homeostasis in infected mice.
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