Cytokine response to dietary rehabilitation with curd (Indian dahi) & leaf protein concentrate in malnourished children.
OBJECTIVE
Protein energy malnutrition (PEM), an important cause of secondary immune deficiency, is associated with several abnormalities in the immune system including cytokine production. In the present study cytokine levels (both pro- and anti-inflammatory) were evaluated in protein energy malnourished children following nutritional rehabilitation with curd (Indian dahi) and leaf protein concentrate (LPC).


METHODS
Eighty moderately and severely malnourished children, 1-5 yr of age, received the WHO recommended diet for severe malnutrition, modified according to local dietary habits, containing in addition either curd or micronutrient-rich leaf protein concentrate, for a period of 15 days. Cytokine levels [tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha), interferon gamma (IFNgamma), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-4 (IL-4)] were measured before and after dietary rehabilitation.


RESULTS
The baseline cytokine levels (TNFalpha, IFNgamma, IL-10 and IL-4) were high in malnourished children. Both the diets caused an increase in serum pro-inflammatory (TNFalpha, IFNgamma), and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokine levels after nutritional rehabilitation. The increase in IL-10 was significant in children receiving curd. There was an insignificant fall in IL-4 levels with both the diets. The cytokine response was comparable in children with moderate and severe malnutrition, as also in children < 2 yr to those between 2-5 yr.


CONCLUSIONS
The study suggests that cytokines (TNFalpha, IFNgamma, IL-10 and IL-4) may serve as biological markers to assess the effect of functional foods like curd or LPC on immunity in malnutrition. Curd may help to maintain the balance in cytokine production by increasing the production of IL-10, and may be considered in place of milk in the nutritional rehabilitation of malnourished children.
Dewan
Pooja
P
Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, India.
Kaur
I R
IR
Faridi
M M A
MM
Agarwal
K N
KN
D002675:Child, Preschool; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology*; D003611:Dairy Products; D004044:Dietary Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009753:Nutritive Value; D018515:Plant Leaves / Q000737:chemistry*; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011502:Protein-Energy Malnutrition / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000276:immunology; D011897:Random Allocation
D016207:Cytokines; D004044:Dietary Proteins