(243) Immune-Related Effects of the Standard American Diet in Rodents

Obesity is a pro-inflammatory state that can contribute to chronic pain. Additionally, a poor-quality diet, high in carbohydrates can activate the immune system, further leading to inflammation. We have shown that our Standard American Diet (SAD) can increase peripheral markers of inflammation and prolong recovery from injury presumably through increased activation of immune cells in the spinal cord. Here, we demonstrate that long-term consumption of the SAD can enhance immune cell activation in the spinal cord, increase immune cell infiltration into the cord and that immune cells are required for enhanced SAD-related negative effects on recovery.
Source: The Journal of Pain - Category: Materials Science Authors: Source Type: research