Higher body fat aggravates toxin-induced infectious episodes

Animal models using rabbits were developed to accumulate a variable body fa t mass (FM) in two groups of animals while the fat-free mass (FFM). eg, tot al body protein, was maintained essentially similar between the groups. Thi obarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) were measured as an index of l ipid peroxidation and were found to be higher in the whole-body tissues of animals with a higher FM. Bacterial toxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) also i nduced higher lipid peroxidation in animals with a higher FM, with a concom itant incidence of bloody mucous diarrhea. To our knowledge, this is the fi rst evidence to show the effect of body FM to aggravate toxin-induced infec tions leading to diarrhea. The overall results suggest further investigatio ns to explore the possible role of body fat in infectious diseases in human s. Copyright (C) 1999 by W.B. Saunders Company.