Gum Arabic modifies anti-inflammatory cytokine in mice fed with high fat diet induced obesity

Obesity is a global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, the effect of GA on anti-inflammatory cytokines is not reported. We intended to investigate the effects of GA on anti-inflammatory cytokines in mouse fed with high fat diet. Forty five female CD-1 mice of 90 days old were randomly divided into three groups (n = 15). Mice fed mice either a normal diet (control), high fat diet (HFD) or high fat diet containing 10% w/w GA (HFD + gum) for 15 weeks. Body weights, visceral adipose tissue (VAT), plasma lipid profile, blood glucose, plasma anti-inflammatory cytokines, adiponectin, ghrelin and leptin levels were measured. In addition, anti-inflammatory cytokines gene mRNA expressions were detected. Supplementation of GA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased body weight and VAT associated with decreases in blood glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), whereas, increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations. HFD consumption increased plasma interleukins (IL) IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), leptin and ghrelin concentrations. However, the administration of GA significantly (P < 0.05) decreased plasma IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, leptin and ghrelin compared to the high fat diet and control groups. On the other hand, the treatment of GA significantly (P < 0.05) increased plasma IL-10 and adiponectin compared to the HDF and control groups. Likewise, GA significantly (P < 0.05) down-regulated hepatic IL-6, IL-10, IL-18, TNF-α and C-reactive protein mRNA expression compared to the HDF group. However, no change found in IL-1β mRNA expression. These findings indicate that consumption of GA may help to prevent obesity related complications through downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines gene.