Consumption of fatty foods reduces the level of protective cells in the intestine.
Even short-term consumption of fatty foods can quickly reduce the level of protective immune cells in the intestine. This conclusion was reached by researchers, and the results of their work were published in the journal Immunity.
In the experiment, scientists demonstrated that a high-fat diet leads to a rapid decrease in the number of ILC3 cells — an important element of intestinal immune defense. These cells maintain the integrity of the intestinal barrier and prevent inflammation. Their loss within the first few days leads to increased intestinal permeability and exacerbation of inflammatory processes.
Analysis showed that changes in the microbiota and associated inflammatory signals play a key role in this process. They disrupt the ability of immune cells to process fats, cause malfunctions in mitochondria, and ultimately lead to cell death. Meanwhile, other types of immune cells were found to be less sensitive to such changes.
The authors note that the identified effect may be reversible: with dietary changes, intestinal immune defense can recover. In their opinion, the obtained data help to better understand the early mechanisms of the development of inflammatory and metabolic diseases and emphasize the importance of nutrition for the functioning of the immune system.
