Called the unexpected dangers of fast food
Scientists at the University of Bonn found that the “Western diet” characterized by high fat and carbohydrates, causes a reaction of the immune system, such as the one that occurs when infections.
As a result, increases the risk of chronic inflammatory processes and diseases such as diabetes and arteriosclerosis. About it reported in a press release on the website MedicalXpress.
The experiments were carried out on mice, who for months ate a high-calorie food with low fiber content. In the end the body of the rodents developed inflammation, and blood was noted a large number of granulocytes and monocytes — white blood cells (leukocytes) involved in the fight against pathogenic agents.
It turned out that food with a high content of carbohydrates and fats activates specific genes in hematopoietic cells of the bone marrow. This DNA is responsible for cell proliferation (tissue growth) and maturation of cells. After the transition to a normal feed diet acute inflammation have disappeared, but even after four weeks, the relevant genes were active.
The important role in the activation of inflammation play inflammasome NLRP3 — protein complexes inside the immune cells that usually trigger inflammation reaction upon contact with microorganisms. However, it is unknown how NLRP3 responds to high-calorie foods.
According to researchers, a diet low in carbohydrates and fat will reduce not only the spread of obesity among people, but also to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.