by A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Riverside (UCR) has shed light on the detrimental effects of high-fat diets on various aspects of health. The study, which examined the effects of high-fat diets on genes associated with obesity, colon cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome, also revealed impacts on the immune system, brain function, and potential COVID-19 risk. While previous studies have explored the effects of high-fat diets, what sets this study apart is its comprehensive approach.
The researchers fed mice three different diets over a period of 24 weeks, with at least 40% of the calories coming from fat. The diets consisted of saturated fat from coconut oil, monounsaturated modified soybean oil, and unmodified soybean oil high in polyunsaturated fat. Compared to a low-fat control diet, all three groups of mice experienced significant changes in gene expression, the process by which genetic information is transformed into functional products like proteins.
Contrary to the popular belief that plant-based diets are always healthier, Frances Sladek, a cell biology professor at UCR and the senior author of the study, highlighted that high-fat diets, even when plant-based, are an exception to this rule. The effects of high-fat diets were documented in a paper published in Scientific Reports, which detailed the various impacts observed. Some of the changes in the intestine were expected, such as alterations in genes related to fat metabolism and shifts in the composition of gut bacteria. For instance, the researchers noted an increase in pathogenic E. coli and a suppression of Bacteroides, which play a protective role against pathogens.
However, other findings were more surprising, including changes in genes that regulate susceptibility to infectious diseases. Sladek explained, “We saw pattern recognition genes, ones that recognize infectious bacteria, take a hit. We saw cytokine signaling genes take a hit, which help the body control inflammation.” Consequently, high-fat diets not only impair immune system genes but also create an environment conducive to the growth of harmful gut bacteria.
The study also highlighted the link between high-fat diets and COVID-19 risk. Previous research by the same team demonstrated the connection between soybean oil, a common component of high-fat diets, and obesity and diabetes—both major risk factors for COVID-19. This new study further revealed that all three high-fat diets increased the expression of ACE2 and other host proteins that the spike proteins of the coronavirus use to enter the body.
Additionally, the researchers noted an increase in stem cells in the colon as a result of high-fat diets. While this might initially seem beneficial, it can actually serve as a precursor to cancer. Sladek explained, “You’d think that would be a good thing, but actually they can be precursors to cancer.”
In terms of gene expression effects, coconut oil had the most significant impact, followed by unmodified soybean oil. Differences between the two types of soybean oil suggested that polyunsaturated fatty acids, particularly linoleic acid, played a role in altering gene expression.
Furthermore, the study revealed that the negative changes to the microbiome caused by high-fat diets were more pronounced in mice fed soybean oil. This aligns with previous research by the same team, which highlighted other negative health effects associated with high soybean oil consumption.
It is worth noting that these findings specifically apply to soybean oil and not to other soy products like tofu or soybeans themselves. Poonamjot Deol, a microbiologist at UCR and co-first author of the study, emphasized that while soybeans have numerous health benefits, excessive consumption of soybean oil is not advisable.
While the study was conducted on mice, and therefore may not yield identical results in humans, it is important to note that humans share 97.5% of their working DNA with mice. As such, the findings are concerning, particularly considering that soybean oil is the most commonly consumed oil in the United States and is increasingly prevalent in other countries such as Brazil, China, and India.
The study serves as a wake-up call for individuals who regularly consume high-fat diets. While indulging in a single high-fat meal may not cause significant harm, the researchers stress that the long-term habit of consuming such diets is what leads to the observed changes. Deol likened the 24-week diet duration in the study to a lifetime of high-fat eating in humans.
The researchers hope that this study will prompt individuals to reevaluate their dietary habits. Deol cautioned against the belief that exercise alone can compensate for the negative effects of high-fat diets on the immune system and brain function. She emphasized the importance of mindful eating and its impact on overall health.
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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