Cytokine response to dietary rehabilitation with curd (Indian dahi) & leaf protein concentrate in malnourished children.
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Date
2009-07
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Abstract
Background & objectives: 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 α (TNFα), interferon γ (IFNγ), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-4 (IL-4)]
were measured before and after dietary rehabilitation.
Results: The baseline cytokine levels (TNFα, IFNγ, IL-10 and IL-4) were high in malnourished children.
Both the diets caused an increase in serum pro-inflammatory (TNFα, IFNγ), 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.
Interpretation & conclusions: The study suggests that cytokines (TNFα, IFNγ, 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.
Description
Keywords
curd, cytokines, dietary rehabilitation, leaf protein, malnutrition
Citation
Dewan Pooja, Kaur I R, Faridi M M A, Agarwal K N. Cytokine response to dietary rehabilitation with curd (Indian dahi) & leaf protein concentrate in malnourished children. Indian Journal of Medical Research. 2009 Jul; 130(1): 31-36.