A groundbreaking study from the University of Cambridge uncovers a novel aspect of fasting that combats inflammation, a major contributor to chronic diseases. Scientists have identified a crucial role played by arachidonic acid, a specific blood chemical elevated during fasting, in inhibiting inflammation. The findings may have implications for the effectiveness of certain drugs, including aspirin.
The Link Between Diet and Inflammation Research has long established a connection between diet, particularly the high-calorie Western diet, and increased risks of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Chronic inflammation, a common factor in these conditions, can be triggered by the inflammasome, an internal alarm system within cells.
Understanding Chronic Inflammation Professor Clare Bryant, from the University of Cambridge’s Department of Medicine, emphasizes the significance of understanding chronic inflammation. The study focuses on the NLRP3 inflammasome, which plays a pivotal role in various diseases prevalent in the Western world, including obesity, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease.
Arachidonic Acid’s Role While the anti-inflammatory effects of fasting were known, the underlying mechanisms remained unclear. Professor Bryant’s team, in collaboration with the National Institute for Health, conducted a study involving 21 volunteers. Calorie restriction, achieved through fasting, led to increased levels of arachidonic acid, a lipid known for energy storage and intercellular communication. Surprisingly, arachidonic acid levels decreased once participants resumed eating.
Critical New Insights In lab experiments, the researchers found that arachidonic acid reduces the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome. This unexpected discovery provides a potential explanation for how fasting protects against inflammation associated with a high-calorie Western diet.
Further Research Needed Professor Bryant acknowledges the need for further research but suggests that regular fasting over a prolonged period could help reduce chronic inflammation associated with diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
Study Implications The study also suggests a potential yin and yang effect, where excessive intake of a high-calorie diet increases inflammasome activity, while fasting decreases it. Arachidonic acid may play a crucial role in this dynamic.
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs The findings may shed light on the mechanism of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin, which impedes the breakdown of arachidonic acid. Professor Bryant cautions against self-medication with aspirin and stresses the importance of medical guidance due to potential side-effects.
