The effects of a high-fat/high-carbohydrate meal on leukocyte populations in adults with chronic spinal cord injury

Spinal Cord Series and Cases, 2021 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41394-021-00412-7 · Published: June 1, 2021

Spinal Cord Injury Immunology Nutrition & Dietetics

Simple Explanation

This study investigated how a high-fat, high-carbohydrate (HFHC) meal affects immune cells in adults with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). SCI can disrupt the nervous and immune systems, increasing the risk of infections. The researchers compared the immune cell counts after participants consumed an HFHC meal versus a control condition (quiet sitting). They measured various types of immune cells in blood samples taken before and after the meal or control period. Contrary to what they expected, the researchers found that most immune cell counts increased in the control condition, but not after the HFHC meal. This unexpected result may be due to the impact of SCI on the body's natural daily rhythms or because the immune cells were activated and moved out of the bloodstream.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

10 individuals with a traumatic SCI (>1-year post-injury)

Evidence Level

Secondary analysis of aggregated case series data

Key Findings

1
A significant time × condition interaction effect was observed in CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells, as well as CD56+ and CD3+/CD56+ natural killer (NK) cells.
2
CD19+ B cell counts increased from baseline to 120-min, showing a main effect of time.
3
The general trend showed an increase in T-lymphocytes and NK cells in the control condition from baseline to 120-min, while no change was observed following the experimental meal condition.

Research Summary

This study examined the impact of a high-fat/high-carbohydrate (HFHC) meal on circulating immune cell numbers in individuals with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Contrary to the hypothesis, immune cell counts generally increased in the control condition (quiet sitting) but not after the HFHC meal. The researchers suggest that altered immune cell counts following an HFHC meal may have implications for overall immune function in people with SCI, warranting further investigation.

Practical Implications

Further Research

Future studies should investigate if the differences in immune cell counts correspond with changes in immune cell activation and function.

Dietary Guidelines

Understanding the effects of various food compositions on immune cell numbers and functions among individuals with SCI can help inform dietary recommendations.

Clinical Relevance

Assessing whether the altered immune cell counts affect the ability to respond to pathogens can determine the clinical relevance to immunity or infection risk.

Study Limitations

1
Participants met SCI exercise guidelines, which may limit generalizability to the broader SCI population.
2
The sample included nine males and one female, which precluded any exploration of potential sex differences.
3
Blood samples were collected only at baseline and 120-min, limiting understanding of longer-term effects.

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