Milk casein-based diet containing TGF-beta controls the inflammatory reaction in the HLA-B27 transgenic rat model.
BACKGROUND
A casein-based formula containing TGF-beta has been successfully used in adolescents during acute episodes of Crohn's disease. The role played by this molecule requires confirmation. We have examined the capacity of a TGF-beta containing diet to control the intestinal inflammation in HLA-B27 transgenic rats, and compared its effects with a similar diet devoid of TGF-beta.


METHODS
Three groups of rats were studied. HLA-B27/hbeta2M transgenic rats were fed with a casein-based rat-adapted diet containing TGF-beta or a control casein-based diet without TGF-beta. Fischer control animals were fed the latter. Body weight, dietary intake, tissue weights, fecal samples, leukocyte counts, and acute phase response were analyzed. Intestinal inflammation was assessed by histology, myeloperoxidase, and mRNA expression of cytokines. MUC2 protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Breakdown of muscle protein was examined.


RESULTS
The test diet improved diarrhea increasing the fecal dry matter and the colonic inflammation as shown by a lower inflammatory score (2.43 +/- 1.13 vs 4.42 +/- 0.53, p < .05), lower mucosal thickness (431.25 +/- 72.29 vs 508.57 +/- 81.32 microm, p = .08) and decreased IFNgamma mRNA expression. MUC2 protein expression was increased in HLA rats fed the TGF-beta diet compared with HLA rats fed the control diet, but restitution to normal pattern was not observed. The test diet also decreased leukocytosis and the acute phase response and improved the muscle catabolic response.


CONCLUSIONS
The TGF-beta containing diet has a beneficial effect in an animal model of intestinal inflammation. Our observations support a potential role for dietary TGF-beta in the restoration of immune homeostasis.
Schiffrin
Eduardo J
EJ
Nestlé Research Center, Nestec Ltd., Lausanne, Switzerland. eduardo.schiffrin@rdls.nestle.com
El Yousfi
Mimoun
M
Faure
Magali
M
Combaret
Lydia
L
Donnet
Anne
A
Blum
Stephanie
S
Obled
Christiane
C
Breuillé
Denis
D
D000210:Acute-Phase Reaction; D000818:Animals; D030801:Animals, Genetically Modified; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D002364:Caseins; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000628:therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen / Q000235:genetics*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D055262:Mucin-2; D009077:Mucins / Q000378:metabolism; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000378:metabolism; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D011897:Random Allocation; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D002364:Caseins; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen; C524628:Muc2 protein, rat; D055262:Mucin-2; D009077:Mucins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta