Dietary Modulation of Fatty Acid Oxidation Imparts Stem Cell Protection in Bone Marrow

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) maintain production of all functional blood cells and are located within the bone marrow. In pathological conditions, such as obesity or leukemia, changes in these cells contribute to disease pathophysiology. In this study, we examined the impact of metabolic modulation of stem and progenitor cells within the bone marrow during diet-induced obesity (DIO) and leukemia relapse. Avocatin B (Avo), an inhibitor of fatty acid oxidation (FAO), was provided in the diet and its impact on stem cells using two disease models was tested. In DIO, high fat diet(HFD)-induced alterations in HSC number and function were attenuated with Avo (HFD: 46.9% decrease compared to control; p < 0.001; whereas DIO + Avo: 58.8% recovery; p < 0.05). In leukemia relapse, dietary Avo delayed disease reoccurrence. Taken together, addition of Avo into the diet imparts protection in the bone marrow.